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BACKGROUND: Adherence challenges with oral tenofovir-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are common. We developed a point-of-care assay to objectively assess tenofovir in urine and conducted a pilot trial examining the impact of counselling informed by use of this urine assay on long-term PrEP adherence. METHODS: This randomised trial enrolled women not in serodiscordant partnerships 3 months after PrEP initiation at the Kenya Medical Research Institute to compare standard-of-care adherence counselling versus counselling informed by the urine assay (urine-test counselling group) every 3 months for 12 months. In the standard of care group, urine samples were stored and tested at study end without participant feedback. Here we report the adherence primary outcome of hair concentrations of tenofovir at 12 months as a long-term metric (undetectable levels defined long-term non-adherence), as well as urine concentrations of tenofovir at each visit as a short-term adherence metric and acceptability of the assay assessed by quantitative surveys. Data were analysed by randomisation group. This completed trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03935464). FINDINGS: From March 17, 2021 to Jan 18, 2022 we enrolled 49 women in the urine-test counselling group and 51 in the standard of care group; retention was 86 (86%) of 100. Nine (21%) of 42 in the urine-test counselling group had hair samples at 12 months with tenofovir concentrations below the limit of quantification compared with 15 (37%) of 41 in the standard of care group. The relative odds of long-term non-adherence in the standard of care group compared with urine-test counselling were 3·53 (95% CI 1·03-12·03; p=0·044). Pre-intervention, urine tenofovir was detectable in 65% in the urine-test counselling group and 71% in the standard of care group (p=0·68). At 12 months, 31 (72%) of 43 in the intervention group had detectable urine tenofovir compared with 19 (45%) of 42 in the standard of care group (p=0·0015). 40 (93%) of 43 participants liked the test very much and only one disliked the test. One participant in the standard of care group was withdrawn at the 6-month visit due to HIV seroconversion. INTERPRETATION: A low-cost urine tenofovir assay to inform PrEP counselling resulted in improvement in both short-term and long-term metrics of adherence. This urine tenofovir assay could help to improve long-term PrEP adherence. FUNDING: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and National Institutes of Health.

Pain, detected by nociceptors, is an integral part of injury, yet whether and how it can impact tissue physiology and recovery remain understudied. Here, we applied chemogenetics in mice to locally activate dermal TRPV1 innervations in naive skin and found that it triggered new regenerative cycling by dormant hair follicles (HFs). This was preceded by rapid apoptosis of dermal macrophages, mediated by the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). TRPV1 activation also triggered a macrophage-dependent induction of osteopontin (Spp1)-expressing dermal fibroblasts. The neuropeptide CGRP and the extracellular matrix protein Spp1 were required for the nociceptor-triggered hair growth. Finally, we showed that epidermal abrasion injury induced Spp1-expressing dermal fibroblasts and hair growth via a TRPV1 neuron and CGRP-dependent mechanism. Collectively, these data demonstrated a role for TRPV1 nociceptors in orchestrating a macrophage and fibroblast-supported mechanism to promote hair growth and enabling the efficient restoration of this mechano- and thermo-protective barrier after wounding.

Tik Tok is an emerging social media platform that provides a novel opportunity for health practitioners such as dermatologists to disseminate accurate health information.

The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing observed increased metal biomarkers of exposure levels in a group of 116 Quebec apprentice welders during a longitudinal follow-up of exposure. Analysis of 14 metals was carried out in hair, fingernail, and toenail samples taken from participants over the course of their welding curriculum at 6 different times. Personal and socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and other potential confounding factors were documented by questionnaire. Multivariate linear mixed-effect models were used to assess main predictors of metal concentrations in each biological matrix including increasing time of exposure throughout the curriculum (defined as the repeated measure "time" variable"). Significant associations between repeated measure "time" variable and metal levels in hair, fingernails, and toenails were found for chromium, iron, manganese and nickel. Significant associations with "time" were also noted for arsenic levels in hair and fingernails, and for barium, cobalt and vanadium levels in fingernails and toenails. The repeated measure "time" variable, hence increasing time of exposure throughout the curriculum, was the predominant predictor of elevated biological metal levels. Reduced spaces and simultaneous activities such as oxyfuel-cutting and welding in the same welding room were suspected to contribute to higher metal levels. Age, ethnicity, and annual household income exerted an effect on metal levels and considered as confounders in the models. Variations observed in metal levels between hair and nails of apprentice welders also emphasized the relevance and importance of performing multi-matrix and multi-element biomonitoring to assess temporal variations in biological metal concentrations during welding curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of quercetin loaded on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) in protecting human hair from ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) light in vitro. Methods: In this study, solvent‐emulsified diffusion method was used to fabricate nanoparticle formulations and then particle size, loading, and drug release tests were performed from different formulations. Variables include oily part proportion, liquid to solid oil part ratio, and surfactant to lipid ratio. The optimal formulation was prepared by examining the eight formulations and optimizing them. Six groups of hair with different treatments were exposed to UV light for 600 h and the changes were investigated by examining four factors: RMS (root mean square average, the microscopic profile peaks and valleys), peak to valley roughness, the amount of chemical changes by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the amount of protein loss. Results: The selected formulation had a suitable particle size, loading percent, and release rate for penetration to hair. Quercetin‐loaded SLN controlled RMS factor, peak to valley roughness, and reduced chemical changes and protein loss compared to other treatments. Conclusion: The optimize formulation showed positive effects in protecting the hair strands from UV‐B radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prompt-based portrait image style transfer aims at translating an input content image to a desired style described by text without a style image. In many practical situations, users may not only attend to the entire portrait image but also the local parts (e.g., eyes, lips, and hair). To address such applications, we propose a new framework that enables style transfer on specific regions described by a text description of the desired style. Specifically, we incorporate semantic segmentation to identify the intended area without requiring edit masks from the user while utilizing a pre-trained CLIP-based model for stylizing. Besides, we propose a text-to-patch matching loss by randomly dividing the stylized image into smaller patches to ensure the consistent quality of the result. To comprehensively evaluate the proposed method, we use several metrics, such as FID, SSIM, and PSNR on a dataset consisting of portraits from the CelebAMask-HQ dataset and style descriptions of other related works. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our framework outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of both stylization quality and inference time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article utilizes Black girlhood as a framework in a critical multimodal qualitative inquiry to explore the complexities of representations of Black girls' hair, in picturebooks. Using a data corpus of 55 picturebooks published between 2010–2020, the authors analyzed the multimodal messages embedded in the initial introductions of Black girl protagonists. The findings suggest that contemporary children's literature represents a broad array of Black girls' hair, even when the central message is not about hair, denoting the importance of this cultural representation in assertions of identity. Findings suggest that the theme of elevation was demonstrated across the corpus, and was further expressed in the subthemes of; (1) salience of hair, (2) physical elevation of hair, and (3) importance of hair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper aims to develop and validate a taxonomy for the assessment of the subjective experience of curly hair manageability. It represents the latter of two iterative stages of a mixed‐method design interdisciplinary project. Methods: The qualitative stage of the study incorporated thematic analysis of 14 interview transcripts generated using a video‐ethnographic method (SEBE). A survey‐based instrument assessing different elements of the construct of hair manageability designed during the first stage of this project was further developed following consultations with experts with extensive experience in hair research, product development, testing and trichology. The instrument was tested online with 506 female participants self‐reporting natural curly hair, types 3A and higher according to the Andre Walker Curl Classification. Results: The initial construct of four groups of hair goals received positive content validity from the experts. High scale reliability was achieved for the aesthetic, haptic and emotive goals' scales as well as for hair esteem (Cronbach's alpha >0.75). Curl type was the only personal hair attribute that was correlated with hair goals and perceptions. From the demographic and lifestyle data, only age was correlated with goals and willingness to try new products. Common hair practices and product usage were also correlated with hair curl and goals. Conclusion: The appropriateness of the instrument for measuring the strength of different hair goals and perceptions relevant to hair curvature degree and hair esteem has been validated. The instrument will support the development and testing of products better aligned with the manageability needs of very curly and textured hair. It was also confirmed that hair curvature is the most significant determinant of practices, and age of product attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this work was to understand how triglyceride plant oils can deliver strength and softness benefits to hair by their penetration. These plant oils are complex mixtures of TAGs, so the initial studies performed were with pure TAGs and then these data compared to plant oils and their measured TAG compositions. Methods: LC–MS was used to identify the di and triglycerides in coconut oil, Camellia oleifera oil and safflower seed oil. Penetration of these plant oils and pure individual triglycerides was measured by a differential extraction method. Cross‐sections of oils treated with 13C‐labelled triolein were studied by NanoSIMS to visualize location of triglyceride inside hair. Fatigue strength was measured using constant stress to generate a survival distribution. Models of the lipid‐rich cell membrane complex (CMC) were created with the equimolar ratio of 18‐methyl‐eicosanoic acid (MEAS), palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1). Results: Penetration of the individual pure TAGs was confirmed for all chain lengths and degree of unsaturation tested with higher penetration for shorter chain lengths and unsaturated fatty acids. Detailed compositional analysis of selected plant oils showed a wide variety of TAGs and penetration was also demonstrated for these oils. NanoSIMS and modelling confirmed these TAGs are penetrating the lipid‐rich CMC of hair and are interacting with the fatty acids that make up the CMC. All plant oils delivered a fatigue strength improvement by penetration into the CMC and it is proposed that these oils prevent formation and/or propagation of flaws in the CMC network that leads to breakage. Conclusions: Many plant oils with a wide range of triglyceride compositions can penetrate into hair and NanoSIMS data confirmed these oils partition into the lipid‐rich cell membrane complex. Penetration studies of individual TAGs shown to be present in these oils confirmed TAGs of varying chain length can penetrate and there is a correlation between increased penetration efficacy and shorter chain lengths and presence of unsaturation in the fatty acid chains. All the oils studied delivered single fibre fatigue strength benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the diagnosis, clinical features, and management of trichotillomania through a case study of a young woman with progressive, asymptomatic hair loss. Topics include the differentiation of trichotillomania from similar conditions like alopecia areata, its clinical and trichoscopic features, and treatment strategies incorporating psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

Dermatophytes represent the largest and most common group of fungal infections, impacting 25% of the global population. Among them, Trichophyton rubrum has emerged as the predominant species, responsible for a range of conditions such as tinea corporis, tinea pedis, onychomycosis, tinea cruris, and tinea manuum. Although dermatophyte incidence varies geographically, there is a noticeable rise in cases caused by T. indotineae, a strain that exhibits resistance to terbinafine. In the past decade zoophilic dermatophyte T. mentagophytes genotype VII (now known as T. interdigitale) gains a growing importance, due to its increasing frequency, the severity of the clinical manifestation and mode of transmission. Tinea infections present with various clinical symptoms and can affect individuals of all ages, from tinea pedis in adults to tinea capitis in children. Among adults globally, tinea unguium (onychomycosis) is the most common form of dermatophytosis, affecting 5.5% of the general population. Tinea unguium is more frequently seen in developed countries, while tinea capitis is more common in developing nations. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in cases of tinea faciei, likely due to prolonged mask-wearing. Terbinafine remains the preferred treatment for dermatophyte infections worldwide due to its potent fungicidal properties, minimal risk of drug interactions, and fewer side effects compared to other oral antifungals. Itraconazole and terbinafine appear to be equally effective and safe for treating tinea cruris and tinea corporis. However, the rising resistance of dermatophytes to these antifungal drugs, along with frequent recurrences of dermatophytosis in certain regions, is becoming a significant public health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is on lactating mothers in the city of Chah Bahar in Iran. This descriptive-analytical and questionnaire study selected a random sample of 80 mothers to examine mercury levels in their hair, milk, and saliva. The average concentration of mercury in milk, hair and saliva of mothers was 1.23 ± 0.48 µg/l, 1.81 ± 0.55 µg/g and 1.10 ± 0.63 µg/l, respectively. There was a significant correlation between mercury levels in mothers saliva and hair. Still, only a weak correlation was found between mercury levels in milk and hair, and milk and saliva, possibly associated with the high lipid content in milk. The number of children and length of the mother's pregnancy were related to the amount of mercury in the mother's milk. The number of teeth filled with amalgam, consumption of fish and marine products, consumption of fruit, and infant's weight at birth were also associated with the amount of mercury in breast milk. Chewing gum, fish consumption, infant's birth weight, weight, and length of pregnancy were among the factors associated with the amount of mercury in mothers' saliva. The mercury concentration in milk exceeded the WHO (1.4–1.7 µg/g) normal level in 8.5% mothers, and hair mercury was found in 12.5% mothers. It should be kept in mind that any amount of mercury can be harmful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent advances in multi-view hair reconstruction, achieving strand-level precision remains a significant challenge due to inherent limitations in existing capture pipelines. We introduce GroomCap, a novel multi-view hair capture method that reconstructs faithful and high-fidelity hair geometry without relying on external data priors. To address the limitations of conventional reconstruction algorithms, we propose a neural implicit representation for hair volume that encodes high-resolution 3D orientation and occupancy from input views. This implicit hair volume is trained with a new volumetric 3D orientation rendering algorithm, coupled with 2D orientation distribution supervision, to effectively prevent the loss of structural information caused by undesired orientation blending. We further propose a Gaussian-based hair optimization strategy to refine the traced hair strands with a novel chained Gaussian representation, utilizing direct photometric supervision from images. Our results demonstrate that GroomCap is able to capture high-quality hair geometries that are not only more precise and detailed than existing methods but also versatile enough for a range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug addiction is associated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular complications, cancer, and mental disorders. Illicit drugs, such as cannabinoids and opioids, including prescription medications, are widely consumed and have profound health consequences. Understanding the health effects of the toxic elements in these substances is critical for overdose prevention and effective recovery strategies. This study aimed to determine toxic elements, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and nickel (Ni), in cannabinoid and opioid drugs and in biological samples (whole blood, scalp hair, and serum) from 311 male drug abuse patients aged 15–60 years with a history of drug abuse. The participants were categorized into three age groups. The comparative analysis involved 113 reference subjects of the same age groups. The sample preparation employed microwave-assisted acid digestion, and the toxic elements were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Accuracy was ensured using certified reference materials for hair, whole blood, and serum samples. Drug-addicted subjects had significantly higher concentrations of toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and nickel) in biological samples than referent subjects (p > 0.001). Elevated levels of these toxic elements may increase susceptibility to infections, possibly due to malnutrition, drug-related effects, and additional contaminants. These findings necessitate further studies to explore the long-term health outcomes, potential treatment options, and broader socioeconomic impacts of substance abuse. This study serves as a baseline for future research in this critical public health field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common method in bumblebee monitoring is the capturing and immobilisation of animals to morphologically determine their species. This usually requires researchers to kill the specimens to examine small details under an optics setup. To circumvent this, molecular methods like cytochrome oxidase subunit I–based barcoding have been well established, which support monitoring efforts without the need to keep voucher specimens. The most common way of sampling tissue from living bumblebees for DNA barcoding remains the clipping of tarsal tips. However, the possible effects of this sampling method on the specimens, especially reproductives, have not been studied in detail. Here, we tested a minimally invasive sampling method for barcode‐based species identification, using hair from living as well as collection‐derived specimens. Our study consists of three different experimental parts, which aimed at adapting the method from controlled experimental to field conditions. Our results indicate that hair‐based barcoding of bumblebees is possible. In a controlled experiment, there were no negative effects on the survival of sampled individuals. However, sample processing must be handled more carefully than traditional tarsal sampling to avoid sample contamination. Nevertheless, hair is a promising sampling material for supporting difficult identifications in bumblebee monitoring. Our study is an example of establishing minimally invasive sampling methods for hairy pollinators. The method might be used to reduce the number of specimens killed in monitoring campaigns and to avoid damaging precious museum specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair offers a non‐invasive way to assess mercury exposure in diverse species, but variable and poorly understood molt patterns in wildlife may hamper the interpretation of tracer levels in hair. The reliability of using hair to precisely assess internal mercury burden, thus, varies across species, but few studies have assessed the reliability of using claw. Claws grow continuously, and growth rate may be easier to monitor than molt patterns. We quantified total mercury concentration (THg) in internal and keratinous tissues of 55 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) legally harvested near Arctic tree line in Canada in winter (i.e., when mobility and opportunistic foraging are maximal) to compare the performance of hair and claw in predicting internal mercury burden, and examine the overall capacity of THg in keratinous tissues to predict internal THg at low exposure. Red foxes are widespread, occur at high densities and occupy a high trophic position, and thus could be a good sentinel species for monitoring mercury in the less‐studied terrestrial food webs. We found generally low levels of THg in all fox tissues (range: 0.06 mg kg−1 in brain to 1.13 mg kg−1 in hair) indicating overall low contamination of this low‐Arctic terrestrial food web. Relationships between THg of diverse internal organs were strong, but THg in both claws and hair were poor predictors of THg in internal organs. We thus advise caution when interpreting mercury levels in keratinous tissues of highly mobile species, as they may over‐ or underestimate the overall levels of exposure of a population because of non‐continuous or seasonal growth. Adding a time component using segmental analysis of continuously growing keratinous tissues, or associating multiple tissues reflecting diverse timeframes and physiological processes, may offer a more accurate and complete understanding of toxicological risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I use posthumanism and autotheory to materialize the gendered, racialized and sexualized hair/her/stories of British-Muslim schoolgirls in my study. As an act of feminist indiscipline and a feminist transdisciplinary innovative practice, I entangle with those affective, material, embodied and embedded encounters and stories that grow, escape, flow and glow with the vital materiality of hair and her stories. Hair, as one of the transgressive data of my PhD research, emerged in various temporal, spatial and material contexts throughout our research encounters. Considering hair as having posthuman agency, I argue how it can enable different material relations in everyday lived experiences of Muslim schoolgirls with hijab, body, educational environments and practices. Inspired by the notion that theory can do more the closer it gets to the skin what I call Posthumanist autotheory, has emerged from the body-theory encounters. I use posthumanist autotheory to materialize how hair as the ‘auto’ and the more-than-human agency in autotheory grows and becomes matter, method and theory. In using posthumanist autotheory as a feminist transdisciplinary innovative and speculative affirmative approach, this paper hopes to enable knowledge shifts in participatory researching on gendered and racializing assemblages to those everyday ordinary economic, institutional, biological and medical matters and assemblages that constitute racism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total mercury content dynamics were evaluated in the hair of adolescent residents of the industrial center of North West Russia. The content of total mercury varied from less than 0.002 to 0.83 mg/kg. The content of total mercury in the hair of males was 1.5–2 times lower than that of females. The relationship between the body mass index of females and the content of total mercury in the hair (for the entire observation period rs = 0.28–0.48, at p < 0.05) was observed. Metal's concentration in the hair of the study participants was found to depend on of fish consumption frequency. Total mercury concentration values were found to increase of 70% of the participants, by 0.03 mg/kg per year on average, over 3 years of study. Indicators of the content of total mercury in the hair of females and males in the city of Cherepovets did not exceed the standard values established in Russia and in the world. At the same time, the recorded values of the annual increase in the content of total mercury in the hair allow us to predict the potentially hazardous levels of metal in the body of the study participants when they reach adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions The hair shaft is often exposed to shampoo and haircare products that have unknown or varying pH levels. These products contain a combination of surfactants and other active ingredients to treat the hair or the scalp. As amphoteric proteins, hair keratins have limited buffering capacity, so variations in pH can have multifaceted impacts on them. However, there is limited knowledge about how pH affects keratins and keratin‐associated proteins (KAPs). Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of varying pH levels (pH 3–pH 12) on hair structure and analyse consequent alterations in the hair proteome using mass spectrometry‐based proteomics.A scanning electron microscope was used to examine changes in hair‐shaft morphology due to exposure to various pH levels, while mass spectrometry was employed to analyse protein alterations.We found that exposing the hair shaft to varying pH levels led to specific effects on the cuticle, including cuticle lifting at certain pH levels, while proteomics analysis identified alterations in the hair proteome along with significant deamidation of keratins types I and II and KAPs. More pronounced effects were observed at extreme acidic conditions (pH 3) and alkaline conditions (above pH 8) on both hair morphology and hair proteins. pH levels between pH 5 and pH 7 had minimal impact on hair structure and proteins, suggesting that haircare products with pH in this range are ideal for hair‐shaft health. In contrast, alkaline pH levels were found to negatively affect hair.The structure evaluation and proteomics data emphasize the critical role of pH in hair health. The extreme acidic or alkaline pH impacts the hair structure and hair proteins. The study highlights the optimal pH range for maintaining healthy hair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discarded Human hairs are considered as waste material in most parts of the world and its accumulation causing several environmental problems. However as a potential material resource, human hair has the advantage that it is completely biodegradable, renewable and available in every locality. Thus reutilizing human hair cut discards with a target of extracting a particular major nutrient supply, namely nitrogen, carbon, sulfur and so forth, can create a positive impact on solving soil's infertility problems and less productivity issues of concerned agrarian communities. This study has tried to develop waste human hair based bio-fertilizer by primarily identify the better performing hydrolyzing mixture rang of formulation (H5), ratio of human hair waste mass to aqueous hydrolyzer mixture usages (1:5), favorable reacting time (90 min) and temperature (70 oC) values progressively. Then the physicochemical characteristics were analyzed to reveal the resulted final product's viscosity (~ 76.0 cp.), density (~ 1.17 gm/l), pH (~ pH 9), organic nutrients availability concerning primary Macronutrients (~ 18:0.03:1 N-P-K ratio), Secondary Macronutrients (~ 0.13:0:7 Ca-Mg-S ratio) and other trace micronutrient constituents; which are considered as requirements for the soil nutrient enrichments and plant growths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous plants evolve ingeniously microcantilever‐based hairs to ultra‐sensitively detect out‐of‐plane quasi‐static tactile loads, providing a natural blueprint for upgrading the industrial static mode microcantilever sensors, but how do the biological sensory hairs work mechanically? Here, the action potential‐producing trigger hairs of carnivorous Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) are investigated in detail from biomechanical perspective. Under tiny mechanical stimulation, the deformable trigger hair, composed of distal stiff lever and proximal flexible podium, will lead to rapid trap closure and prey capture. The multiple features determining the sensitivity such as conical morphology, multi‐scale functional structures, kidney‐shaped sensory cells, and combined deformation under tiny mechanical stimulation are comprehensively researched. Based on materials mechanics, finite element simulation, and bio‐inspired original artificial sensors, it is verified that the omnidirectional ultra‐sensitivity of trigger hair is attributed to the stiff‐flexible coupling of material, the double stress concentration, the circular distribution of sensory cells, and the positive local buckling. Also, the balance strategy of slender hair between sensitivity and structural stability (i.e., avoiding disastrous collapse) is detailed revealed. The unique basic biomechanical mechanism underlying trigger hairs is essential for significantly enhancing the performance of the traditional industrial static mode microcantilever sensors, and ensure the stability of arbitrary load perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair pigmentation is a valuable feature in forensic hair analysis and hair comparisons. Microscopic pigmentation features from participants' hair were classified and documented. The discriminating power of template matching, unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods were compared to determine which method best distinguished between participants and accurately assigned hairto an individual, based on pigmentation features. Template matching analysis revealed a higher frequency of inter-person matches compared to intra-person matches, and the unsupervised model’s predicted labels did not align with true labels. These findings suggest the presence of an unknown dimensionality beyond the observable pigmentation features used in forensic hair classification, highlighting the crucial role of forensic expertise. In contrast, supervised machine learning demonstrated superior accuracy and greater interpretability due to its training on labelled data, making it more appropriate for forensic applications. This research underscores the continued importance of human expertise, particularly in the initial classification of training data for supervised machine learning. The potential applications of supervised machine learning in forensic science include training, competency testing and rapid intelligence as a novel and innovative tool while advancing the field towards more objective methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain, detected by nociceptors, is an integral part of injury, yet whether and how it can impact tissue physiology and recovery remain understudied. Here, we applied chemogenetics in mice to locally activate dermal TRPV1 innervations in naive skin and found that it triggered new regenerative cycling by dormant hair follicles (HFs). This was preceded by rapid apoptosis of dermal macrophages, mediated by the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). TRPV1 activation also triggered a macrophage-dependent induction of osteopontin (Spp1)-expressing dermal fibroblasts. The neuropeptide CGRP and the extracellular matrix protein Spp1 were required for the nociceptor-triggered hair growth. Finally, we showed that epidermal abrasion injury induced Spp1-expressing dermal fibroblasts and hair growth via a TRPV1 neuron and CGRP-dependent mechanism. Collectively, these data demonstrated a role for TRPV1 nociceptors in orchestrating a macrophage and fibroblast-supported mechanism to promote hair growth and enabling the efficient restoration of this mechano- and thermo-protective barrier after wounding. [Display omitted] • Activation of cutaneous TRPV1 innervations accelerated hair growth in naive skin • TRPV1 activation induced a rapid apoptosis of dermal macrophages via CGRP • TRPV1 activation triggered the expansion of Spp1-expressing dermal fibroblasts • TRPV1, CGRP, and Spp1 expression control hair regrowth after skin abrasion Ben-Shaanan et al. demonstrate a cellular pathway causally connecting pain-mediating cutaneous TRPV1 innervations with accelerated hair growth in naive skin, as well as hair regrowth after epidermal abrasion. This cellular pathway involves dermal macrophage apoptosis triggered by the neuropeptide CGRP, followed by a macrophage-dependent increase in the frequency of fibroblasts expressing the hair growth-promoting factor Spp1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cocaine (COC) is not only incorporated into hair via blood following ingestion but also by external contamination, hair samples are commonly tested for COC metabolites to prove ingestion. However, COC metabolites can also be present as degradation products in typical street COC samples. The present study investigates minor hydroxycocaine (OH-COC) metabolites p - and m -OH-COC together with p - and m -hydroxybenzoylecgonine (OH-BE) in seized COC (n  = 200) and hair samples from routine case work (n  = 2389). Analytical results of hair samples were interpreted using an established decision model for the differentiation between actual use and external contamination using metabolic ratios (metabolite to COC). They were further examined concerning background of request, hair color, body site of sample collection, sex, and metabolic ratios of the main metabolites [benzoylecgonine (BE), norcocaine (NC), and cocaethylene (CE)]. All seized COC samples were positive for p - and m -OH-COC with a maximum percentage of 0.025% and 0.052%, respectively; p - and m -OH-BE were detected in 55% and 56% of samples with a maximum percentage of 0.044% and 0.024%, respectively. Analytical results of 424 hair samples (17.7%) were interpreted as being predominantly from contamination; the majority of these samples were from traffic medicine cases (83.7%). Metabolic ratios of minor OH-COC metabolites were significantly higher in hair samples interpreted as originating from use than in samples interpreted as caused by contamination. Metabolic ratios for OH-COCs were significantly higher in forensic cases compared to abstinence controls and also in black hair compared to blond/gray hair. However, this was not the case for OH-BE metabolic ratios. No statistical difference was observed with regard to the donor's sex. OH-COC metabolic ratios increased significantly with increasing ratios of NC and CE to COC, respectively. The study demonstrates that OH-COC metabolites (including thresholds for their metabolic ratios) must be used for a reliable interpretation of positive COC results in hair samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Operating room fires can have devastating consequences and as such must be prevented. There exists a paucity of literature requiring further elucidation regarding manufacturer recommendations of a predefined waiting period prior to patient draping after using alcohol-based surgical antiseptics, in order to reduce the risk of operating room fires. Methods This was further investigated by exposing two common alcohol-based surgical antiseptics to electrosurgery and open flames at various power settings and time intervals in an ex vivo porcine model. The simulated surgical site was prepped following manufacturer recommendations and exposed to monopolar electrosurgery at low and high power, using both PURE CUT and COAGULATION modes, and open flame, at 15-s increments after application. Results While using PURE CUT mode at both low and high power, no ignition was observed on hairless surgical sites prepped with ChloraPrep® at any time point. However, use of COAGULATION mode at both low and high powers resulted in ignition consistently out to 1-min post-application. Additionally, if the prepped area subjectively appeared wet, especially with pooling of the antiseptic, both COAGULATION mode and open flame caused ignition. Dry time was found to be about 59 s for both prep solutions. It was also observed that the amount of pressure directly correlated with the amount of prep dispersed and increased dry times. Conclusion In conclusion, our data suggest an average dry time of less than 1-min, with ignition only observed when the antiseptic was visibly wet. Ignition did not occur on hairless skin with electrocautery on CUT mode using ChloraPrep at any time point. Additionally, ignition on hair-bearing skin was not observed past 3 min, with current manufacturer recommendations stating 1 h wait time for hair-bearing skin. Arbitrarily waiting a specific predetermined dry time until patient draping, as recommended by the manufacturers, may be unnecessary and lead to hours' worth of time wasted each year. Ongoing research will further investigate the utility of drying the antiseptic after application and its affect on not only preventing ignition but also antimicrobial efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 4D-5D connection allows us to view the same near horizon geometry as part of a 4D black hole or a 5D black hole. A much studied example of this phenomenon is the BMPV black hole uplifted to 6D with flat base space versus Taub-NUT base space. These black holes have identical near horizon AdS3 × S3 geometry. In this paper, we study modes in AdS3 × S3 and identify those that correspond to supersymmetric hair modes in the full black hole spacetimes. We show that these modes satisfy non-normalisable boundary conditions in AdS3. The non-normalisable boundary conditions are different for different hair modes and for different asymptotic completion. We also discuss how the supersymmetric hair modes on BMPV black holes fit into the classification of supersymmetric solutions of 6D supergravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury is a pollutant that poses a considerable health risk. The concentration of mercury in scalp hair can be used to estimate past mercury exposure. Methods such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma‐based techniques have been used to determine the concentrations of trace elements in scalp hairs; however, these analytical methods have several limitations, including the need for expensive equipment, complex sample preparation, and large samples of more than 100 hairs. Therefore, simpler and more cost‐effective methods are required. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is a simple and fast analytical method. To improve the sensitivity, we applied a secondary target method to enhance the XRF excitation and reduce the background. In conventional secondary target methods, the primary x‐rays irradiate a secondary target of a pure substance, and the sample is then irradiated with the fluorescent x‐rays from the secondary target. We placed high‐purity Y₂O₃ powder, which served as the secondary target, behind the hair samples. The XRF intensities of trace elements such as mercury and zinc in the hair were enhanced by applying the secondary target behind the hair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, animal hair and human hair have been used as suturematerials in surgery and retain sporadic interest today. This systematic literature review examines 42 primary sources to uncover insights into the use of hair sutures. Several notable figures documented their experiences across specialties, highlighting horsehair's longevity and patient comfort. Despite waning popularity owing to synthetic alternatives, recent interest in autologous hair filaments for facial wounds signals a resurgence. The time-tested hair sutures offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly option, particularly in resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminal differentiation of epithelial cells is critical for the barrier function of the skin, the growth of skin appendages, such as hair and nails, and the development of the skin of amniotes. Here, we present the hypothesis that the differentiation of cells in the embryonic periderm shares characteristic features with the differentiation of epithelial cells that support the morphogenesis of cornified skin appendages during postnatal life. The periderm prevents aberrant fusion of adjacent epithelial sites during early skin development. It is shed off when keratinocytes of the epidermis form the cornified layer, the stratum corneum. A similar role is played by epithelia that ensheath cornifying skin appendages until they disintegrate to allow the separation of the mature part of the skin appendage from the adjacent tissue. These epithelia, exemplified by the inner root sheath of hair follicles and the epithelia close to the free edge of nails or claws, are referred to as scaffolding epithelia. The periderm and scaffolding epithelia are similar with regard to their transient functions in separating tissues and the conserved expression of trichohyalin and trichohyalin-like genes in mammals and birds. Thus, we propose that parts of the peridermal differentiation program were coopted to a new postnatal function during the evolution of cornified skin appendages in amniotes. [Display omitted] • The periderm prevents adhesion of adjacent stratified epithelia during development • Cornified skin appendages require scaffolding epithelia for morphogenesis • The inner root sheath of the hair follicle is an example a scaffolding epithelium • Scaffoldin is a marker of the periderm and scaffolding epithelia of birds • Trichohyalin is the mammalian homolog of scaffoldin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgenetic alopecia is a chronic dermatological condition in which genetically predisposed individuals undergo progressive hair loss secondary to the effects of circulating androgens. It has been well documented that dihydrotestosterone binds to the androgenic receptors prevalent in the scalp, thus inducing miniaturization of the hair follicle. To date, the only FDA approved medications for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia are finasteride and minoxidil. A plethora of studies have been conducted testing the efficacy of various herbal compounds, but additional research is needed to further establish the concrete efficacy of such natural remedies in treating androgenetic alopecia. Of late, rosemary oil has gained mass popularity as a promising natural alternative. This review article will not only provide a detailed background on this ancient herbal component but will additionally overview all other major herbal alternatives including peppermint oil, tea tree oil, green tea, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, and lavender oil and will summarize the latest clinical studies, which have tested their efficacy for the management of androgenetic alopecia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlortalidone (CLT) is a thiazide‐type diuretic with high affinity for the erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase. Therapeutically, it is mostly used to treat edema and hypertension due to liver cirrhosis, heart insufficiency, or renal dysfunction. Although diuretics and masking agents are prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) at all times in sports, substances belonging to this category are constantly detected in athlete samples, according to WADA's annual testing figures. Within this group of structurally diverse compounds, a threshold of 20 ng/mL has been introduced for six substances solely due to their presence as contaminants in other permitted drugs because of pharmaceutical production processes. In a recent presumptive doping case with a low urinary CLT concentration, the question of unintentional doping, for example, by contaminated non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug intake, arose. To examine this potential scenario, a co‐elimination of low‐dose CLT and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTA; 20 × 50 μg, 0.2 mg/day each) was conducted on five consecutive days in two volunteers. Urine samples were subjected to liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Moreover, we examined the incorporation of CLT in scalp hair. HCTA is rapidly excreted renally in comparatively high concentrations. In contrast, the elimination of CLT is considerably slower (terminal elimination half‐life extended by a factor of 12) and, consequently, much less concentrated in corresponding urine samples (45 and 53 ng/mL, respectively). Conversely, a higher hair incorporation of chlorthalidone was observed with simultaneous dosing of both. The results suggest that an unintentional intake of sub‐therapeutic CLT doses due to contamination might result in an adverse analytical finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), six Salsola species from Iran were examined for their epidermis, seed, and fruit micromorphology. Among them were S. brachiata from section Heterotricha, S dendroides, S. incanescens, and S. orientalis from section Caroxylon, S. kali from section Kali, and S. turcomanica from section Physurus. Epidermal cells are divided into three types. There were diamond, irregular, and polygonal cells, as well as straight and undulated walls. Studied species of Salsola have smooth or sculptured fruit surfaces, and there are three main types of fruit surface ornamentation. There is a significant difference between these species based on the type of hair and density of the fruit. Seed shape and color have little systematic significance. The seed epidermis is composed of polygonal, elongated polygonal, irregular, and diamond cells. Although polygonal and irregular testa cells are most common, their size and shape can provide additional information and useful diagnostic characteristics at both specific and infraspecific levels. For taxonomic separation, the current study provides novel insights at micromorphological levels. Research Highlights: This article reports halophyte are shown as models for adaptation to extreme habitats.These plants are placed among the ecological communities of xerophytes. Here, for the first time, the microstructural analysis of Salsola has been investigated.Additionally, it provides new insights into plant species' response to extreme conditions, as well as possible adaptation strategies at the micromorphological level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 4D-5D connection allows us to view the same near horizon geometry as part of a 4D black hole or a 5D black hole. A much studied example of this phenomenon is the BMPV black hole uplifted to 6D with flat base space versus Taub-NUT base space. These black holes have identical near horizon AdS3 × S3 geometry. In this paper, we study modes in AdS3 × S3 and identify those that correspond to supersymmetric hair modes in the full black hole spacetimes. We show that these modes satisfy non-normalisable boundary conditions in AdS3. The non-normalisable boundary conditions are different for different hair modes and for different asymptotic completion. We also discuss how the supersymmetric hair modes on BMPV black holes fit into the classification of supersymmetric solutions of 6D supergravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Polytrichia is a common clinical and trichoscopic feature in folliculitis decalvans (FD) that morphologically corresponds to compound follicular structures (CFS) of six or more follicles sharing a single infundibulum, surrounded by fibrosis.To characterize the type of follicles in the CFS in scalp biopsy specimens from FD.We retrospectively reviewed 10 scalp biopsy specimens obtained by using the trichoscopy‐guided approach from the affected scalp of patients diagnosed with early‐stage FD between 2018 and 2023. We assessed the number and type of follicles within the CFS on horizontal sections.The total number of assessed follicles was 205, out of which 159 were part of CFS. Of those, 156 were terminal follicles (146 anagen and ten telogen), three intermediate, and zero vellus follicles. Other common findings included dense mixed cell infiltrate consisting of histiocytes, plasma cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils; psoriasiform hyperplasia; and fragmented hair shafts.We show that CFS in FD are composed largely of terminal anagen follicles. This may help with further understanding of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidermis of the skin and skin appendages, such as nails, hair and sebaceous glands, depend on a balance of cell proliferation and terminal differentiation in order to fulfill their functions at the interface of the body and the environment. The differentiation of epithelial cells of the skin, commonly referred to as keratinocytes, involves major remodeling processes that generate metabolically inactive cell remnants serving as building blocks of the epidermal stratum corneum, nail plates and hair shafts. Only sebaceous gland differentiation results in cell disintegration and holocrine secretion. A series of studies performed in the past decade have revealed that the lysosome-dependent intracellular degradation mechanism of autophagy is active during keratinocyte differentiation, and the blockade of autophagy significantly alters the properties of the differentiation products. Here, we present a model for the autophagy-mediated degradation of organelles and cytosolic proteins as an important contributor to cellular remodeling in keratinocyte differentiation. The roles of autophagy are discussed in comparison to alternative intracellular degradation mechanisms and in the context of programmed cell death as an integral end point of epithelial differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostebol, the 4-chloro derivative of testosterone, available as Over The Counter product in pharmacies and drugstores in several countries, is mostly commercialized as a cream or spray in the form of acetate ester. As other anabolic steroids, clostebol is listed as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Controlled transdermal application of clostebol acetate has been reported to produce detectable amounts of its metabolites in urine, even after a single exposure. Indeed, a low urine concentration can be interpreted as the tail of a drug voluntarily used to enhance performance or a direct consequence of a contamination. The increased number of adverse analytical findings (AAFs) involving clostebol reported in the last years should lead to highlight the need for athletes to be warned against personal and /or accidental use/exposure of dermal preparation containing this doping agent. Further discussion on possible threshold limits and laboratory testing on different matrices (e.g. hair) to better clarify the origin of minimal amounts of clostebol in urines is advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigmentation anomalies and lesions are aspects of wild bat populations that have been rarely addressed and scarcely documented. We captured a total of 4,118 bats belonging to 30 species during 2020, 2021, and 2022 in the municipalities of Santa Maria Huatulco and San Miguel Lachiguiri, Oaxaca, southeastern Mexico. Of these, 9 individuals (0.21 %) showed piebaldism (6 females and 3 males), and 11 individuals (0.26 %) had skin and hair lesions (7 females and 4 males). The highest number of piebaldism and lesions was observed in Natalus mexicanus (6 of the 20 individuals), followed by Mormoops megalophylla (n = 4), Pteronotus mesoamericanus (n = 3), Pteronotus fulvus (n = 3), Glossophaga mutica (n = 2), and Artibeus lituratus (n = 2). The months with the highest number of bats with piebaldism and lesions were October (n = 6) and July 2021. Seventeen records occurred in caves, two in the medium sub-evergreen forest, and one in a human settlement. To date, it has not been confirmed that skin depigmentation in bats affects the social life and reproductive activity of bats, but they could be more susceptible to predation events. Furthermore, lesions could negatively affect flight performance and, consequently, foraging efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction is one of the primary drivers of development and economic activity in Pakistan. Many activities are performed at the construction site including cement mixing, carpentry, and painting. Workers working in these activities are exposed to toxic heavy metals. Due to exposure to these heavy metals, subjects are at high risk of developing diseases mainly respiratory diseases. Human hair and nail samples of construction workers in Rawalpindi, Pakistan were collected to assess the heavy metals. Heavy metals such as Al, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, K, Pb, and Zn were analyzed in the hair and fingernails of the construction workers. To determine the level of selected heavy metals, Inductively Coupled Plasma optical emission spectrometry was used. Results revealed that Al was the highest with a mean concentration of 7.54 μg/g in all three groups. Whereas Cd was below the detection limit. Heavy metal concentration was high in hair (1.77 μg/g) in two groups including cement mixing and carpentry. However, in the carpentry group heavy metal concentration was high in nails (1.19 μg/g). Additionally, the workers of the carpentry group have higher metal concentrations when compared to the other two groups and this group was at high risk of toxic metal exposure. After the correlation analysis, the results revealed that age was significantly correlated to body burden of metals (r = 0.496, p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, some of the heavy metals in hair and nails were significantly correlated with each other. Since all groups, especially carpenters, show high levels of heavy metals, there is a need for regular monitoring of heavy metals at construction sites. Most importantly, the implementation of training programs is needed to raise awareness among construction workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated arsenic (As) concentrations in diverse environmental components and their potential impact on the health risks faced by residents of the arsenic (As)-contaminated Nadia district in West Bengal, India. A random selection of 182 cattle and 255 goats from 40 livestock farmers in the district revealed that both animals and humans were naturally exposed to elevated arsenic levels through contaminated drinking water, foods, grasses, concentrate feeds, various fodder tree leaves, and other food/feed resources. The mean As concentration in roughages (483.18 µg/kg DM) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in tree leaves (391.53 µg/kg DM), and concentrate feed/ingredients (186.66 µg/kg DM). Pond water exhibited higher arsenic levels (106.11 µg/L) compared to shallow tube well water (47.96 µg/L) and deep tube well water/tap water (10.64 µg/L and 10.04 µg/L, respectively). The mean arsenic concentration in soils DM of fodder fields, crop fields, and grassland was 10.25, 10.58, and 10.20 mg/kg, respectively. It was observed that protein-rich feeds had lower levels of arsenic accumulation (p < 0.048), while fiber-rich feeds containing more cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin had higher arsenic levels (p < 0.017). Goats consumed 73.46% more arsenic per kg body weight compared to dairy cows. Although chronic and sub-chronic arsenic exposure in the district did not typically manifest symptoms or visible signs in ruminant animals, concentrations in the hair and feces of both cattle and goats exceeded normal values. Cattle feces had significantly higher arsenic (410.43 µg/kg DM) levels (p < 0.001) than goat feces (227.00 µg/kg DM), and arsenic concentration in cattle hair (1917.74 µg/kg DM) was also significantly greater (p < 0.001) than goat hair (1435.74 µg/kg DM). Arsenic levels in milk samples from both species were below 10 µg/kg. Liver (356.02 µg/kg DM) and kidney (317.22 µg/kg DM) contained significantly higher (p < 0.001) levels of arsenic compared to muscle (204.23 µg/kg DM), and bone (161.98 µg/kg DM) in local meat-type adult male goats. The skin accumulated the highest amount of arsenic (576.24 µg/kg DM) among the non-edible parts of the goat carcass. The cumulative cancer risk value for adults was 4.96 × 10−3, exceeding the threshold value (1 × 10−6). This suggests a significant risk of cancer development for the population in arsenic-affected areas. Non-cancer risks (hazard indexes) were estimated at 11.01 for adults. Our observations revealed that the highest bioaccumulation of arsenic occurred in the hair of cows, and goats in the examined localities. The biotransformation factor (BTF) for hair was much higher compared to other excreted samples from both species. The calculated BTF followed the order: hair > feces > milk for cows and goats. Livestock farmers in Nadia district are advised to carefully select feed resources, prioritizing those high in crude protein and low in neutral detergent fiber, and they should provide drinking water from deep aquifers to ensure the safety of milk and meat for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress is today a common feature of patients seeking medical care and a growing public health issue in society. A method has been developed to measure biological chronic stress by Hair Cortisol Concentrations (HCC). This biomarker, for chronic stress, captures information about cumulative cortisol levels over the course of several months. Long-term stress might be one of the factors contributing to the onset of cardiovascular conditions and also affecting different risk factors. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between Hair Cortisol Concentrations and previous cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: The method of measuring chronic stress by Hair Cortisol Concentration was applied in a large Swedish national observational cross-sectional study. A population-based random sample of N = 4,821 Swedish middle-aged men and women was analysed for hair cortisol levels in relation to diagnosed previous cardiovascular diseases and biologically measured cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Long-term stress, measured by hair cortisol, was significantly associated with the classical cardiovascular risk factors hypertension and high cholesterol, but not smoking. Those with elevated HCC levels also had a significantly increased pre-history of myocardial infarction, type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation and by-pass surgery, but not regarding stroke, angina pectoris or sleep apnoea. Higher HCC was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with Body mass index and waist circumference, but only for females. HCC was also associated with the risk markers leukocytes, and high-sensitivity CRP, indicating a possible linkage between HCC and inflammation and hypothetically also the bodily immune defense. No association was found between perceived stress and HCC. Conclusions: An overall conclusion of our results is that health care should put more emphasis on patients reporting that they have been exposed to long term stress. Altogether, these analyses of Hair cortisol levels in a large middle-aged population show that chronically elevated cortisol levels represent a relevant and significant factor associated with cardiovascular diseases and classical cardiovascular risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protonitazene is a synthetic benzimidazole opioid of the nitazenes class, developed in the 1950s as an effective analgesic, but never released on the market due to severe side effects and possible dependence. Despite its increasing use as a new psychoactive substance starting in 2019, its detection in human hair of intoxicated and deceased consumers has never been reported. We present the development and validation of a specific procedure to identify protonitazene in hair by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Drugs were incubated overnight at 40°C in 1 mL borate buffer, pH 9.5 with 20 mg pulverized hair and 1 ng/mg fentanyl-d5 used as internal standard. Drugs were then extracted with a mixture of organic solvents. The chromatographic separation was performed using an HSS C18 column with a 15-min gradient elution. Linearity was verified from 1 to 100 pg/mg. The limit of detection was estimated at 0.1 pg/mg. No interference was noted from a large panel of natural and synthetic opioids, fentanyl derivatives, or other new synthetic opioids. Protonitazene was identified at 70 and >7600 pg/mg in the whole head hair specimens of two male subjects deceased from an acute drug overdose in jail. Protonitazene was also identified at 14 and 54 pg/mg in two living co-prisoners. As nitazenes represent a growing threat to public health in various parts of the world, this method was developed in response to the challenges posed by the identification of this class of substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hair follicle can cycle throughout a lifetime, undergoing periods of growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and relative quiescence (telogen). The time that a hair follicle spends in each of these stages is crucial to determine the length of hair fibre that it produces. Perturbations in this regard can manifest in various hair diseases such as anagen effluvium, or acute and chronic telogen effluvium. The established 'dogma' when considering how many hair follicles there are in each stage has long been that the majority are in anagen (85%–90%), followed by telogen (10%–15%) and catagen (1%–2%). These values are based on various studies using different methodologies such as hair plucking, phototrichograms and histology. However, these methods have flaws when it comes to differentiating between catagen and telogen follicles. We sought to determine the catagen: telogen ratio through the ex vivo stereomicroscopic examination of hundreds of hair follicles removed from the occipital scalp of 14 Caucasian males during routine hair transplantation procedures. Using this methodology, and in agreement with a similar observation by another research group, we found that the percentage of catagen hair follicles was higher (7.5%) than telogen (3.5%) in all patients assessed. Consequently, we believe that the percentage of catagen follicles is clearly underestimated and therefore challenge the current established dogma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the morphological characterization of guard hairs from six species of small non-flying mammals. Guard hair samples were obtained from both live individuals and museum specimens, with cuticular and medullary impressions made from the middle portions of the shafts and shields, respectively. A total of 112 samples were collected from the following species: Marmosa simonsi, Metachirus myosorus, Sigmodon peruanus, Aegialomys xanthaeolus, Rattus sp., and Mus musculus. This information can be used for taxonomic identification and, for instance, in the identification of prey items in carnivore and nocturnal raptor diet studies, which are areas lacking information in western Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is women's most common form of alopecia. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves for hair growth and regeneration in women with FPHL. Methods: A prospective single‐center noncontrolled study was conducted in patients with FPHL who underwent eight treatment sessions with C‐Actor, a shock wave applicator. Outcome measures included total hair count, number of follicular units (FUs)—single FUs, double FUs, triple and bigger FUs—the average thickness, cumulative hair thickness, and changes in the Derived Sinclair scale, assessed with Tricholab (Fotofinder System). Patients completed a survey to assess their subjective perceptions of hair improvement regarding softness, hair loss, quality, and volume. Results: Twenty women were included with a mean age of 43 (SD = 5.65). The mean increase in total hair count was 8.9% (p < 0.00001), in number of FUs 4.6% (p = 0.00031), in number of triple and bigger FUs 18.4% (p = 0.0004), in cumulative hair thickness 8.0% (p < 0.00001), with a decrease of 5.7% in mean Derived Sinclair scale value by 2.2–2.1 (p < 0.0001). After 3 months, 85% of patients perceived improvement in hair volume. Conclusion: Extracorporeal shock waves for hair growth and capillary regeneration in women with FPHL showed statistically significant outcomes, and all patients reported an improvement in hair characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All professionals face similar problems based on the nature of their work. For example, teachers, hair stylists, chefs, and physicians might appear to have nothing in common, but they must all get better at completing the tasks they are performing. They must all communicate effectively with others and encounter challenges in their work that they must adapt to. Though the contexts are different, teachers can learn a lot from other professionals about how to address the challenges and tasks of their work. This article presents lessons the author has learned from professionals he has interacted with or observed, and draws connections from the work of other professionals to the work of teaching. These lessons can help make teachers better teachers by lessening their workloads, improving their knowledge and effectiveness, and strengthening their efforts to support students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]