Hair Length Research Articles

Effects of Individual or Combined Deficiency of Phosphorous and Zinc on Phenotypic, Nutrient Uptake, and Molecular Responses of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana): A Nutri-Rich Cereal Crop.

Deficiencies of either phosphorus (P) or zinc (Zn) or both are one of the major abiotic constraints influencing agricultural production. Research on the effects of individual or combined P and Zn deficiency is limited in cereals. This study reports the effects of the individual or combined deficiency of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and Zn on the phenotypic, root hair modification, nutrient uptake, and molecular responses of finger millet (Eleusine coracana), a nutri-rich cereal crop. Finger millet seedlings were grown hydroponically under control (+Pi+Zn), individual Pi deficiency (-Pi), individual Zn deficiency (-Zn), and combined Pi and Zn deficiency (-Pi-Zn) conditions for 30 days to find the phenotypic, root hair modification, nutrient uptake, and molecular responses. Compared to the individual -Zn condition, the individual -Pi condition had more of an effect in terms of biomass reduction. The combined -Pi-Zn condition increased the root hair length and density compared to the other three conditions. The individual -Zn condition increased the Pi uptake, while the individual -Pi condition favored the Zn uptake. EcZIP2 was highly upregulated in shoot tissues under the individual -Zn condition, and EcPHT1;2 was highly expressed in root tissues under the individual -Pi condition. This is the first study to report the effects of the individual or combined deficiency of Pi and Zn in finger millet and may lead to future studies to better manage P and Zn deficiency.

Differences in segmental hair cortisol concentration analysis among children and adolescents with overweight and obesity, their parents, and normal weight peers.

Dysregulation of the stress system via incidental long exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) can lead to weight gain. In addition, family and maternal stress can also have an impact on children's weight. Hair is used in several studies to evaluate cortisol (GC) levels in children and adolescents with excess weight as a retrospective stress biomarker, depending on the hair length the cortisol measurement depicting different time periods. We aimed to investigate whether there is a difference among segmental hair cortisol concentration (HCC) analysis between children and adolescents with overweight and obesity, their mothers, and normal weight peers. This study recruited 25 children aged 6-14 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85th centile and their mothers, as well as 20 children of the same age with a BMI < 85th centile. Hair cortisol concentration was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Segmental HCC analysis exhibited gradually decreasing values in all participants as segments of hair were more distantly located from the scalp. A positive correlation was found between BMI z-score and HCC of the first segment of hair in children and adolescents with elevated BMI (b = 1.84, p = 0.033), as well as with maternal HCC / of an only child (b = 15.77, p = 0.01). There were no associations between mother-child dyads and children and adolescents of different BMI groups, even though minors with excess weight exhibited higher HCC levels in all segments of hair in comparison to their normal weight counterparts. Hair cortisol of all participants exhibited a gradually declining concentration. More studies with larger samples and more sensitive methods of analysis are warranted in order to draw firmer conclusions.

An algorithm for cross-fiber separation in yarn hairiness image processing

Yarn hairiness affects yarn and fabric quality. The existing hairiness detection methods cannot discriminate crossover fibers or hairs. In order to accurately separate and detect crossover fibers, an algorithm of separating crossover hairs is proposed. By obtaining refined hair skeletons after image pretreatment, the positions of fiber intersection point were determined, and a hair information table according to the characteristics of the hair cross-point was constructed. After classifying each hair branch skeleton and screening out the hair common skeleton, the branch hair matching table by using the two end points of the true common hair skeleton adjacent to the hair branch was constructed. Through pairing the same cross-hair branch with the principle of the closest slope at the adjacent cross-end, each complete cross-hair skeleton was defined for hair count in a field of view. The detection results show that compared with the existing photoelectric hairiness detection instrument, the algorithm can realize the crossover hair separation, and calculate the length of complete crossover hairs and curved hairs with high accuracy. On average, the developed algorithm measures hair length about 11.1% longer than the manually measured results, while commercial apparatus would report hair length 62.5% shorter than the actual hair length.

Collagen Hydrolysate from the Scales of Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) Improve Hair and Skin Health by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Promoting Hair Growth and Extracellular Matrix Factors.

Fish-derived collagen hydrolysate (CH) has shown promise in improving hair and skin health. Therefore, this study sought to comprehensively assess the effects of CH extracted from Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) scales on hair and skin using in vitro and in vivo models. Human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) were used for antioxidant and gene expression analyses, while C57BL/6 mice were orally administered CH for six weeks to assess hair growth patterns. The mice were divided into four groups: negative control (NC; distilled water), positive control (PC; 1 mg/kg finasteride), CH500 (500 mg/kg BW CH), and CH1000 (1000 mg/kg BW CH). CH mitigated catalase activity reduction in hDPCs, increased IGF-1 and VEGF levels, and decreased TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression. In vivo, CH treatment improved hair growth index, length, diameter, weight, and density. Scanning electron microscopy revealed reduced hair damage. Moreover, CH up-regulated IGF-1, VEGF, Elastin, and HAS2 mRNA expression while down-regulating TNF-α and IL-1β. CH enhanced hair shine, growth, and skin health while alleviating inflammation. These findings demonstrate the potential of CH in alleviating oxidative stress, promoting hair growth, and enhancing skin health, both in vitro and in vivo. Fish-derived CH offers a cost-effective and bioavailable option for improving hair and skin health.

Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oil Increases Hair Length and Follicle Diameter of Ultraviolet B-exposed Mice Through VEGF

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UVB) radiation induces hair photoaging by triggering oxidative stress, causing alterations in hair diameter and length, which contribute to the development of senile alopecia. Development of alternative anti-photoaging agents to prevent hair loss from various materials, including natural products, is currently being explored. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (ROEO) has been known to have antioxidant and vasodilation properties. However, the effect and mechanism of ROEO on UVB-exposed hair are still unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ROEO on the hair length and follicle diameter in UVB-exposed mice as well as the skin vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level.METHODS: Thirty male Swiss mice were treated topically with/without paraffin oil, 2% minoxidil, or various concentrations of ROEO, every day for 21 days. Meanwhile, UVB exposure was performed 3×/week. On day 21, the hair length was measured, the skin tissue was collected for hair follicle diameter and VEGF measurements.RESULTS: ROEO contained phenolic, including flavonoids and tannins, as well as non-phenolic antioxidants, including 1.8-cineole, α-pinene, and camphor. The IC50 value of ROEO was 15.977 ppm. Significant higher hair length, follicle diameter, and VEGF level of 10% ROEO+UVB-treated mice were observed, compared with the ones of mice exposed with UVB merely (LSD test, p&lt;0.05).CONCLUSION: Since 10% ROEO could significantly increase hair length, follicle diameter and VEGF level, and contained antioxidant compounds, it can be suggested that ROEO might increase hair length, follicle diameter, and VEGF level through its antioxidant component.KEYWORDS: Rosmarinus officinalis, hair follicle diameter, hair length, VEGF, ultraviolet B, antioxidant

P32 ‘Skin fade’ haircut: an independent risk factor for tinea capitis?

Abstract Tinea capitis is a highly contagious infection, with peak incidence at 3–9 years; transmission occurs between infected persons or via contaminated surfaces. We examine three different cases, all presented to our department this summer. Each gave a synchronous history of a friend or family member that contracted tinea capitis from the same ‘Turkish barbershop’ visit. We compare similar clinical features and timeframes. Two brothers aged 12 and 9 years, presented with multiple inflamed scaly plaques of alopecia on the occipital scalp. An 8-year-old boy presented with a 3-month history of tinea capitis infection affecting his occipital and temporal scalp. A 9-year-old boy presented with a 2-month history of inflammatory scaling scalp alopecia, spreading to involve his face and neck. All three groups attended different schools, different barbershops and had received a ‘skin fade’ haircut a few weeks prior to developing symptoms. Mycology confirmed Trichophyton tonsurans. ‘Skin fade’ is a type of haircut that has a graded hair length, starting at top of the head and gradually getting shorter towards the neckline. This is produced by using clippers and often cut-throat razors. The technique was introduced in 1930s. Its popularity has varied since and has enjoyed another resurgence recently in South Wales. T. tonsurans is well recognized as an important cause of inflammatory scarring alopecia in South Wales and barbers represent an important source of cross-contamination if hygiene measures are not followed carefully. These consecutive cases suggest that ‘skin fade’ haircuts represent a risk factor for the spread of tinea capitis.

Modulation of hair growth by topical drug delivery enhanced by STAR particles

Topical treatments to modulate hair growth are generally limited by low drug bioavailability due to poor skin permeability. Here, we studied the use of STAR particles, which are millimeter-sized ceramic particles with protruding microneedles, to form micropores in the skin to increase skin permeability to hair growth-modulating drugs. STAR particle design and fabrication were optimized, and the resulting STAR particles were shown to reduce lag time and increase skin permeability to minoxidil and acyclovir by more than three-fold compared to no treatment in pig skin ex vivo. In rats, STAR particles also improved topical delivery of minoxidil and acyclovir, which resulted in an increase or a decrease in the number, length and/or thickness of hairs and/or the number of anagen-phase hair follicles after minoxidil or acyclovir treatment, respectively. Clinical exam and histological evaluation showed no evidence of skin irritation or other adverse effects of the treatments. We conclude that STAR particles can increase topical delivery of minoxidil and acyclovir to improve modulation of hair growth promotion and inhibition, respectively.

Late-gestation heat stress in Holstein dams programs in utero development of daughter's germline, triggering skin and hair morphology adaptations of granddaughters

Homeostasis and thermoregulation are influenced by the interplay of hair coat and skin characteristics. Our previous work indicated that hair and skin adaptations, triggered by in utero heat stress, affect thermoregulation in postnatal life. Herein, we investigate multigenerational carry-over effects of late-gestation heat stress on hair and skin characteristics beyond the first generation. Pregnant Holstein dams (F0, grand-dams) were heat stressed (HT, shade, n = 41) or provided active cooling (CL, shade, fans, and water soakers, n = 41) for the last 56 d of gestation during summer (temperature-humidity index ≥68). The first generation of heifers (F1, daughters) who were in utero heat stressed (HTF1, n = 36) or not (CLF1, n = 37) were born and raised as a cohort from birth to first calving. Thirty second-generation heifers (F2, granddaughters), born to HTF1 (HTF2, n = 12) and CLF1 (CLF2, n = 18), were raised as a cohort from birth to 70 d of age. Hair samples and skin biopsies from HTF2 and CLF2 were collected on postnatal d 70 (n = 6/group). Hair samples were subdivided into topcoat and undercoat, and skin tissue was fixed for ~18 h in 10% formalin, dehydrated, paraffin-embedded, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to visualize morphology. Variables analyzed included hair length and diameter; stratum corneum cross-sectional area and thickness; epidermis thickness; sweat gland depth, number, cross-sectional area, and average size; and sebaceous gland number, cross-sectional area, and average size. Measurements were performed using the ImageJ software and analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). Hair length and diameter tended to be shorter and thicker in HTF2, compared with CLF2. The HTF2 skin had smaller stratum corneum cross-sectional area and tended to a thinner epidermis. to CLF2, HTF2 skin had more but smaller sebaceous glands, whereas no differences in sweat glands were observed. In summary, we report phenotypic alterations in hair and skin characteristics of granddaughters. Whether these adaptations grant improved postnatal thermoregulatory ability for the granddaughters remains to be investigated.

Ontogenetic changes in southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) fur morphology.

Many animals exhibit morphological changes across ontogeny associated with adaptations to their environment. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) have the densest fur of any animal, which is composed of guard hairs, intermediate hairs, and underhairs. Sea otters live in cold water environments, and their fur traps a layer of air to remain properly insulated, due to morphological adaptations that allow the hairs to trap air when submerged. When a sea otter is born, it has a natal pelage which it will eventually molt and replace with a pelt resembling the adult pelage. Past studies have investigated the morphology and hair density of adult sea otter fur, but these characteristics have not been measured for other age classes, including for the natal pelage. This study quantified ontogenetic changes in hair morphology of southern sea otter (E. lutris nereis) pelts. We measured guard hair length and circularity, shape of cuticular scales on guard hairs and underhairs, and overall hair density for sea otter pelts across six age classes: neonate (<1 month), small pup (1-2 months), large pup (3-5 months), juvenile (6 months-1 year), subadult (1-3 years), and adult (4-9 years). Neonate and small pup pelts had significantly longer guard hairs than older age classes. Natal pelage guard hairs were similarly shaped but smaller in diameter than adult guard hairs. Hairs of the natal pelage had similar cuticular scale patterns as adult hairs, indicating the importance of this structure for the function of the fur. Natal pelage had a lower hair density than the pelage of older age classes, with the adult pelage exhibiting the highest hair density. Overall, the morphological differences between natal and adult pelage in sea otters suggest functional differences that may make sea otter pups more vulnerable to heat loss.

Genome-wide association study for phosphate responsive root hair length and density in bread wheat

The increase in root hair length and density is considered an effective way to deal with external phosphorous (P) limitation. The identification of useful loci for root hair traits is crucial for wheat breeding. Here, We employed a simple, cost-effective, and medium-throughput screening method using cigar rolls to assess P-responsive root hair length (RHL) and density (RHD) in bread wheat at the seedling stage. A set of 113 historical bread wheat cultivars was screened for root hair length and density (RHL/D) under low (0.005 mM KH2PO4) and high P-levels (0.25 mM KH2PO4). Significant variations (p < 0.001) were found among genotypes for length and density under both P treatments. Genotyping was performed using 50 K SNP array data to conduct the genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a multi-locus model (mrMLM) and 67 SNPs linked to RHL/D under phosphorous treatment were identified. Of these, 33 SNPs were associated with RHL and 34 were linked with RHD. The maximum number of SNPs (43) linked to target traits were observed under high-P levels following 24 were identified under low-P conditions. We also identified 6 SNPs associated with target traits causing missense mutations and predicted their candidate genes of which 5 were protein coding. RNA-seq based expression analysis indicated that all genes were expressed in roots of 24 wheat varieties ranging from 0.38 to 101.7 tpm. The least expression (0.41–10.28 tpm) was observed in TraesCS4D02G066200 which consisted of non-translating CDS and was highly expressed in leaf tissues with 14.55–53.67 tpm. Of these genes, TraesCS1A02G313600 solely expressed in roots with no expression (0 tpm) in leaf tissues. This first GWAS study on root hairs in bread wheat illustrates the genetic basis of RHL and RHD and identifies loci that could be an invaluable resource for further functional investigation.

Appearances can be deceiving: how naturalistic changes to target appearance impact on lineup-based decision-making

ABSTRACT The present study examined the influence of appearance, procedure and position on identification decisions, post-decisional confidence ratings and estimates of discrimination and confidence-specific accuracy. Regarding appearance, the study examined the combined influence of three naturalistic changes that occur day-to-day (i.e. a reduction in cranial hair length, the removal of stubble, and a change of clothing), two of which have not been considered before in a lineup-decision context. Participants (N = 350) completed four experimental lineups which involved: viewing a target person, completing a brief distractor task, and making an identification decision and a post-decisional confidence rating from a photographic lineup. Participants were randomly allocated to complete simultaneous or sequential lineups, with appearance (no change, change), position (early, late) and target (present, absent) systematically varied across the four trials. Appearance affected all dependent measures and was particularly influential in target-present lineups. Naturalistic changes to target appearance reliably decreased correct identification rates, confidence in correct identifications, discrimination accuracy, and confidence-specific accuracy. Procedure and position, by contrast, had a more limited impact. Of concern for the criminal justice system, neither procedure nor position manipulations offset any reductions in lineup-decision accuracy when target appearance changed.

Plasticity of root hair and rhizosheath traits and their relationship to phosphorus uptake in sorghum.

Sorghum is an essential crop for resilient and adaptive responses to climate change. The root systems of crop plants significantly contribute to the tolerance of abiotic stresses. There is little information on sorghum genotypes' root systems and plasticity to external P supply. In this paper, we investigated the variations in root systems, as well as the responses, trait relationships, and plasticity of two sorghum genotypes (Naga Red and Naga White), popularly grown in Ghana, to five external P concentrations ([P]ext): 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg P kg-1 soil. Sorghum plants were grown in greenhouse pots and harvested for root trait measurements at the five-leaf and growing point differentiation (GPD) developmental stages. The plants were responsive to [P]ext and formed rhizosheaths. The two genotypes showed similar characteristics for most of the traits measured but differed significantly in total and lateral root lengths in favor of the red genotype. For example, at the five-leaf growth stage, the lateral root length of the red and white genotypes was 22.8 and 16.2cm, respectively, but 124 and 88.9cm, at the GPD stage. The responses and plasticity of the root system traits, including rhizosheath, to [P]ext were more prominent, positive, and linear at the five-leaf stage than at the GPD growth stage. At the five-leaf growth stage, total root length increased by about 2.5-fold with increasing [P]ext compared to the unamended soil. At the GPD stage, however, total root length decreased by about 1.83-fold as [P]ext increased compared to the unamended soil. Specific rhizosheath weight correlated with RHD, albeit weakly, and together explained up to 59% of the variation in tissue P. Root hair density was more responsive to P supply than root hair length and showed a similar total and lateral root length pattern. Most desirable responses to P occurred at a rate of 200-300 mg P kg-1 soil. It is concluded that sorghum would form rhizosheath, and [P]ext could be critical for the early vigorous growth of sorghum's responsive root and shoot traits. Beyond the early days of development, additional P application might be necessary to sustain the responses and plasticity observed during the early growth period, but this requires further investigation, potentially under field conditions.

BFNB Enhances Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice through the Induction of EGF and FGF7 Factors and the PI3K-AKT-β-Catenin Pathway.

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of a formulation derived from the bioactive fraction of nanostructured Bacopa procumbens (BFNB) on the promotion of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. The characterization of the follicular phases and histomorphological analysis showed that the topical application of the formulation for 15 days significantly increased pigmentation and hair growth on the dorsum and head of the mice. Additionally, an acceleration of the follicular cycle phases was observed, along with an increase in the number of follicles, hair length, and diameter, compared to mice treated with minoxidil. In silico analysis and molecular characterization demonstrated that BFNB enhances the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), activating the PI3K-AKT-β-catenin signaling pathway, as well as the expression of PCNA, KI-67, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E, regulating the cell cycle and cell proliferation, crucial events for hair regeneration. Our results strongly suggest the utility of BFNB as a therapeutic alternative to stimulate hair growth and promote hair health.

CRK12: A Key Player in Regulating the Phaseolus vulgaris-Rhizobium tropici Symbiotic Interaction.

Cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases (CRKs) are a type of receptor-like kinases (RLKs) that are important for pathogen resistance, extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, and programmed cell death in plants. In a previous study, we identified 46 CRK family members in the Phaseolus vulgaris genome and found that CRK12 was highly upregulated under root nodule symbiotic conditions. To better understand the role of CRK12 in the Phaseolus-Rhizobia symbiotic interaction, we functionally characterized this gene by overexpressing (CRK12-OE) and silencing (CRK12-RNAi) it in a P. vulgaris hairy root system. We found that the constitutive expression of CRK12 led to an increase in root hair length and the expression of root hair regulatory genes, while silencing the gene had the opposite effect. During symbiosis, CRK12-RNAi resulted in a significant reduction in nodule numbers, while CRK12-OE roots showed a dramatic increase in rhizobial infection threads and the number of nodules. Nodule cross sections revealed that silenced nodules had very few infected cells, while CRK12-OE nodules had enlarged infected cells, whose numbers had increased compared to controls. As expected, CRK12-RNAi negatively affected nitrogen fixation, while CRK12-OE nodules fixed 1.5 times more nitrogen than controls. Expression levels of genes involved in symbiosis and ROS signaling, as well as nitrogen export genes, supported the nodule phenotypes. Moreover, nodule senescence was prolonged in CRK12-overexpressing roots. Subcellular localization assays showed that the PvCRK12 protein localized to the plasma membrane, and the spatiotemporal expression patterns of the CRK12-promoter::GUS-GFP analysis revealed a symbiosis-specific expression of CRK12 during the early stages of rhizobial infection and in the development of nodules. Our findings suggest that CRK12, a membrane RLK, is a novel regulator of Phaseolus vulgaris-Rhizobium tropici symbiosis.

Circadian Clock Controls Root Hair Elongation through Long-Distance Communication.

Plants adapt to periodic environmental changes, such as day and night, by using circadian clocks. Cell division and elongation are primary steps to adjust plant development according to their environments. In Arabidopsis, hypocotyl elongation has been studied as a representative model to understand how the circadian clock regulates cell elongation. However, it remains unknown whether similar phenomena exist in other organs, such as roots, where circadian clocks regulate physiological responses. Here, we show that root hair elongation is controlled by both light and the circadian clock. By developing machine-learning models to automatically analyze the images of root hairs, we found that genes encoding major components of the central oscillator, such as TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1 (TOC1) or CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1), regulate the rhythmicity of root hair length. The partial illumination of light to either shoots or roots suggested that light received in shoots is mainly responsible for the generation of root hair rhythmicity. Furthermore, grafting experiments between wild-type (WT) and toc1 plants demonstrated that TOC1 in shoots is responsible for the generation of root hair rhythmicity. Our results illustrate the combinational effects of long-distance signaling and the circadian clock on the regulation of root hair length.

Evaluation of residual antibacterial effects on canine skin surface and hair following treatment with five commercial mousse products against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

Antibacterial effect studies of commercial antiseptics typically have evaluated hair and not the skin. To evaluate the antibacterial effects of mousse products on both canine skin and hair. Fifteen short-haired and eight long-haired dogs without skin disease. Five mousses were applied once: (1) 2% chlorhexidine and 2% miconazole; (2) 0.05% phytosphingosine; (3) 2% salicylic acid and 10% ethyl lactate; (4) 3% chlorhexidine and 0.5% climbazole; and (5) 2% chlorhexidine and 1% ketoconazole. Skin swabs and hair were collected from application sites before treatment, and at 1 h and at Day (D)2, D4, D8, D10 and D14 post-treatment. Skin swabs and hair were placed on Mueller-Hinton plates inoculated with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius inoculum suspension. Inhibition zones were measured after incubation. Inhibition was not noted with mousses 2 and 3. In mousse 5, inhibition zone sizes produced by swabs from long- and short-haired dogs were not significantly different (p = 0.105), and all swabs and hair produced inhibition until D14, regardless of hair length. By contrast, in mousse 1, inhibition zones produced by swabs from long-haired dogs were smaller than those from short-haired dogs (p < 0.001), and swabs from long-haired dogs produced a shorter duration of bacterial inhibition than hair. The antibacterial effects of mousse 5 were not affected by hair length. Hair may be acceptable for evaluating effects on the skin in short-haired dogs. However, long hair may interfere with product distribution and duration of bacterial inhibition. Therefore, the evaluation of hair alone may overestimate clinically relevant antibacterial effects.

Pediculosis humanus capitis in 6-7 years old schoolchildren in Valencia, Spain.

Pediculosis humanus capitis is a worldwide public health concern that affects mostly school-aged children. The aim of this study is to determine the rate of pediculosis and to determine possible risk factors in a group of primary school children in Valencia, Spain; 227 children, 6-7 years old, were selected from 7 schools. A self-reported questionnaire completed by the parents/guardians about the presence of pediculosis in their children and their knowledge about pediculosis. The results recorded in the questionnaire were analysed by SPSS® software. 30.4% of the children had pediculosis. The results showed significant variation (p < 0.05) in prevalence depending on the following factors: sex, hair length, level of parental education, family size, presence of affected family member in the home, and frequency of hair washing. Less than half of parents/guardians showed an appropriate level of knowledge on pediculosis. Pediculosis remains a health problem in Valencian schoolchildren. The family size and existence of another member with pediculosis were shown to be the main potentiating factors. Parents are not sufficiently informed about pediculosis and adopt inappropriate practices. There is a need to promote studies with the objective of determining risk factors for pediculosis as well as the need for actions to increase the knowledge of parents and healthcare professionals on this parasitosis to prevent outbreaks in the community, assure correct treatment and maintain effective epidemiological surveillance.

Activity and Safety of Cinchonine Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as a Hair Growth Stimulant in Mice Model of Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AA) is a hair growth disorder characterized by hair loss and miniaturization of the size of follicles and dermal papillae. Cinchonine is a quinoline alkaloid that can increase VEGF production and potential as a hair growth stimulant. This study aimed to determine the morphology, penetration (in vitro), as well as safety and activity of cinchonine nanostructured lipid carriers (CN-NLC) serum as a hair growth stimulant. Preparation of CN-NLC serum using a combination of micro-emulsification and ultra-sonification methods, characterization of CN-NLC serum included morphology and closed hair follicle diffusion methods. Dermal and eye irritation test using New Zealand rabbit strain with primary irritation index parameters. Hair growth stimulant activity test using Swiss Webster mice strain, induced with the hormone testosterone. Observations were performed at 7, 14, and 21 days with hair length and histology parameters. CN-NLC serum morphology is a spherical shape with size ±500 nm, diffusion of serum CN-NLC (open hair follicles) of 23.92±0.84%; (close hair follicles) of 11.37±2.29%; and CN solution of 6.00±0.72%. CN-NLC serum are non-irritant with a primary irritation index of 0.0. Activity tests showed hair length on days 7; 14 and 21 were increased by 20.24-23.74%; 33.47-36.43%, and 39.30-39.97% (P≤0.05). Histological data showed an increase in the number and size of both dermal papillae and hair follicles compared to the control group. CN-NLC serum can improve the penetration of CN into hair follicles. CN-NLC serum is safe and effective as a hair growth stimulant in the treatment of AA.

Formulasi dan Uji Aktivitas Sediaan Hair Tonic Kafein untuk Menstimulasi Pertumbuhan Rambut pada Hewan Uji Marmut

Hair loss occurs in many people, so it can reduce the cosmetic function and protect the body and head from the environment. Hair loss is a disorder in which the number of hairs is less or more than normal. Hair tonic includes cosmetic preparations that have a liquid form with the function of maintaining hair health, stimulating hair growth, and strengthening hair. Caffeine is a substance that can stimulate hair growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the activity of a hair tonic preparation containing caffeine that can stimulate hair growth in guinea pigs. The results showed that hair tonic caffeine Formula 1 with a concentration of 0.001% with an average hair length of 18.294 mm had high effectiveness in stimulating hair growth compared to Formula 2 with a concentration of 0.005% with an average hair length of 16.610 mm.

Schizochytrium sp. Extracted Lipids Prevent Alopecia by Enhancing Antioxidation and Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Dermal Papilla Cells.

Alopecia has gradually become a problem that puzzles an increasing number of people. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) play an important role in hair follicle (HF) growth; thus, exploring the effective chemicals or natural extracts that can remediate the growth of DPCs is vital. Our results showed that Schizochytrium sp.-extracted lipids (SEL) significantly promoted proliferation (up to 1.13 times) and survival ratio (up to 2.45 times) under oxidative stress. The treatment with SEL can protect DPCs against oxidative stress damage, reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by 90.7%. The relative gene transcription and translation were thoroughly analyzed using RNA-Seq, RT-qPCR, and Western blot to explore the mechanism. Results showed that SEL significantly inhibited the ferroptosis pathway and promoted the expression of antioxidant genes (up to 1.55-3.52 times). The in vivo application of SEL improved hair growth, with the length of new hair increasing by 16.7% and the length of new HF increasing by 92.6%, and the period of telogen shortening increased by 40.0%. This study proposes a novel therapeutic option for alopecia, with the effect and regulation mechanism of SEL on DPC systematically clarified.