Search Results (954)

Epiphytic and leafless orchids possess specialized root structures and host diverse associated microorganisms, which may contribute to their adaptation to limited access to water, nutrients, and photosynthetic tissues. Microscopic, anatomical, and molecular analyses of aerial and substrate roots of Chiloschista lunifera (Rchb.f.) J.J.Sm. revealed consistent phototrophic microbial biofilms on the velamen surface. These biofilms comprised filamentous and unicellular cyanobacteria, singular bacterial cells, and green algae. Morphological characterisation identified cyanobacteria belonging to five taxonomic orders, which are Chroococcales, Chroococcidiopsidales, Nostocales, Leptolyngbyales, and Synechococcales. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing confirmed cyanobacterial dominance, with Chroococcidiopsis thermalis PCC 7203 strongly prevalent in root wash samples (up to 99.99% relative abundance), while root homogenate samples harboured a more diverse assemblage including Phormidiaceae, Leptolyngbya, Scytonema, and Calothrix. In addition, a green alga from Watanabeales (Jaagichlorella sp.) was identified based on morphological characteristics. TEM showed diverse cyanobacterial forms and unicellular green algae with well-developed photosynthetic structures. Root anatomy differed between root types. Substrate roots exhibited an inverted kidney-shaped transverse profile, whereas aerial roots were circular, with differences in velamen distribution reflecting adaptation for water retention and substrate attachment. Branched root hairs occurred on substrate roots, while aerial roots possessed unbranched root hairs, indicating functional specialization. Autofluorescence analysis revealed lignified tissues and abundant cortical chloroplasts, suggesting a photosynthetic role of the roots that may compensate for leaflessness. These findings enhance our understanding of the anatomical and ultrastructural features of epiphytic leafless orchid roots and may support future conservation and propagation efforts. Full article

Some actinobacterial species have been reported to improve plant growth due to their roles as biostimulants and biological control agents. In this study, the effect of actinobacterial isolate 27, obtained from the rhizospheric soil of melon plants and identified as Streptomyces calvus, was evaluated on the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato plants. In Arabidopsis, in vitro assays showed that after seven days of interaction, isolate 27 increased fresh weight by 1.4-, 1.5-, and 2.3-fold and lateral root number by 1.7-, 1.3-, and 2.5-fold under physical contact and split-plate systems (MS and ISP2 media), respectively, compared with non-inoculated plants. An increased β-glucuronidase (GUS, encoded by the uidA gene) signal was observed in primary and lateral roots of the Arabidopsis DR5::uidA reporter line during both interaction types, suggesting the activation of auxin-responsive pathways. In addition, isolate 27 rescued the rhd6 (root hair defective 6) mutant phenotype, restoring root hair formation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that isolate 27 emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including an alcohol and several sesquiterpenes, and that this profile changed during interaction with Arabidopsis plantlets. In soil-based pot assays, inoculation with isolate 27 significantly enhanced the development of Arabidopsis plants after 23 days, both when applied alone and in co-inoculation with Trichoderma atroviride. Furthermore, isolate 27 stimulated tomato plant growth, leading to significant increases in fresh and dry biomass, as well as shoot and root lengths after 28 days. Overall, these results demonstrate that S. calvus isolate 27 promotes plant growth and development through the production of bioactive compounds that modulate plant growth pathways, including hormonal responses, highlighting its potential as a bioinoculant for sustainable and productive agricultural systems. Full article

Hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA), is a prevalent condition with widespread psychosocial impact. Recently, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a promising non-invasive therapeutic alternative due to its bioregulatory effects and favorable safety profile compared to conventional pharmacological treatments. In this study, we employed fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to investigate the effects of red-light irradiation on hair follicle dynamics and the cutaneous microenvironment in a C57BL/6 mouse model. A hair regeneration model was established to evaluate the efficacy of 650 nm red-light irradiation (bandwidth ± 20 nm). Then, the skin tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and followed by FLIM analysis to provide a multidimensional assessment of tissue morphology and metabolic status. Results showed that red-light irradiation significantly increased hair follicle numbers and enhanced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the skin tissue. FLIM analysis further revealed prolonged fluorescence lifetime values across different epidermal and dermal layers in the irradiated group, indicating significant alterations in the skin metabolic microenvironment. Furthermore, phasor plot analysis enabled precise differentiation between hair follicles and their surrounding skin structures, highlighting FLIM’s high sensitivity and accuracy in evaluating hair growth. In conclusion, this study has provided novel imaging-based insights into the mechanisms of LLLT-induced hair regeneration, highlighting the potential of FLIM as a powerful tool for characterizing the cutaneous microenvironment and quantitatively evaluating phototherapeutic efficacy in future translational applications. Full article

Dermal papilla (DP) cells orchestrate hair follicle growth and cycling by secreting signaling molecules that stimulate follicular epithelial stem cells. The signal peptide CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 3 (SCUBE3) was recently identified as a potent anagen stimulator secreted by DP cells. Ageratum houstonianum ethanolic extract (AHE) and its active constituent agerarin exhibit anti-inflammatory properties; however, their effects on hair follicle growth remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of AHE and agerarin on SCUBE3 expression in primary human DP cells and to elucidate the underlying molecular signaling pathway. Cell viability was assessed by measuring cell confluency. Ex vivo hair growth was analyzed using organ cultures of human hair follicles. Gene and protein expression were determined using reverse transcription-PCR, immunoblot analysis, immunofluorescent staining, tyramide signal amplification-based multiplex immunohistochemistry, and gene promoter-reporter assay in primary human follicle DP cells. In a hair follicle organ culture model, both AHE and agerarin increased the population of the anagen phase and promoted hair shaft elongation. AHE and agerarin significantly upregulated SCUBE3 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Mechanistically, AHE and agerarin induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) expression by activating mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, thereby increasing SCUBE3 gene promoter activity. AHE and agerarin promoted hair follicle growth by upregulating SCUBE3 expression via activation of the MAPK–AP-1 signaling axis. In conclusion, AHE and agerarin may serve as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of alopecia (hair loss). Full article

Background/Objectives: Cortisol has become established as a relevant biomarker due to its association with various pathologies, including its potential utility in mental health research. However, regarding the techniques employed for its analysis, the available literature shows a certain degree of heterogeneity both in the methods used to obtain cortisol and in the analytical techniques employed for its measurement. This makes it difficult to compare results across specific populations, particularly in pregnant women, who experience metabolic and physiological changes characteristic of gestation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the procedure for the extraction and analysis of cortisol in hair samples from pregnant women throughout gestation. Methods: Hair samples, three centimeters in length, were obtained from women during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. These samples underwent a standardized isopropanol washing step, followed by milling in a laboratory mill using zirconium balls of varying diameters. The resulting hair powder was then weighed and subjected to four incubation cycles using HPLC-grade methanol. Cortisol levels were detected using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Mean hair cortisol levels were 4.1 μg/L (ng/mL) in the first trimester, 11.5 μg/L (ng/mL) in the second trimester, and 6.6 μg/L (ng/mL) in the third trimester. Conclusions: Standardizing the methodology for cortisol extraction improves the reproducibility of results and, in the long term, may support its incorporation into clinical practice as a useful tool for assessing cortisol levels in both pregnant women and the general population, since hair cortisol enables retrospective evaluation of its cumulative exposure over time, approximately on a monthly basis. Full article

Background: Phenotype prediction for eye, hair and skin color is used in a variety of forensic applications, such as trace analysis, the identification of unknown individuals, and analysis of historical DNA traces. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the HIrisPlex-S system in a homogeneous North German population. Methods: A cohort of 155 individuals from this population was sampled, and the 41 HIrisPlex-S SNPs were genotyped using the SNaPshot workflow. In addition, the participants assessed their own eye, hair, and skin color using a standardized questionnaire. The statistical analysis included the calculation of diagnostic indicators such as sensitivity (Sens), specificity (Spec), positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy (Acc). In addition, ROC analyses were performed. Results: The results indicated that predictions of skin and hair color were less accurate, whereas eye color could be determined more reliably. Brown and blue eye colors in particular were predicted accurately (brown: Sens = 94.7%, Spec = 87.7%, Acc = 89.5%; blue: Sens = 98.5%, Spec = 57.7%, Acc = 75.7%), while intermediate eye color (Sens = 0.0%, Spec = 100.0%, Acc = 69.1%), hair color and skin color were difficult to differentiate (e.g., blond hair color: Sens = 80.8%, Spec = 56.0%, Acc = 68.2% and pale skin color: Sens = 73.8%, Spec = 44.8%, Acc = 57.2%). Conclusions: In our study, the HIrisPlex-S system primarily provided rough directional information and could distinguish between very different phenotypes but reached its limits when it comes to similar characteristics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Textile dermatitis seems underdiagnosed, partly due to low awareness of this problem and partly due to imperfect screening methods. The aim of this study was to analyse the diagnostic efficacy and clinical relevance of two textile dye mixes used in routine patch testing. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patch test results and clinical records of patients tested with textile dyes in a specialised patch test practice. Results: Between 2007 and 2024, 207 patients were patch tested with Disperse Blue Mix 106/124 (DBM). Positive reactions were observed in 17.4% of patients, including 10.6% considered clinically relevant. Between 2019 and 2023, 90 patients were tested with Textile Dye Mix (TDM) 6.6%, of whom 14.4% developed a positive reaction, relevant in 4.4%. In a subgroup tested with TDM 6.6%, DBM, all their components and cross-reacting azo dyes, out of eight patients with confirmed textile dermatitis, three cases would have been missed if screening had been performed using TDM alone (6.6%), compared with one case being missed if screening had been performed using DBM alone. The highest rate of positivity (78.6%) to TDM 6.6% was found among patients with an allergy to the common hair dye Toluene 2,5–Diamine Sulfate, all of whom were also positive to Disperse Orange 3 (DO3) present in TDM 6.6%. Among patients with positive tests to Disperse Blue (DB) 106 1% pet. or DB124 1% pet., 68.7% and 85.7%, respectively, reacted also to DBM 106/124 (each component at 0.5%), with respective figures for TDM 6.6% (DB106 and DB124 each at 0.3%) amounting to a mere 12.5% and 14.3%. Conclusions: The detection rates of textile dermatitis can be increased by improving screening tools for textile dye allergy in baseline series for routine patch testing. Based on the results of this study, proposed improvements include removing Disperse Orange 3 from the textile dye mix, tripling the concentrations of Disperse Blue 106 and Disperse Blue 124 in the textile dye mix, and doubling their concentrations in the Disperse Blue Mix 106/124. Full article

Conventional treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) are often limited by suboptimal efficacy and potential adverse effects, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a multi-targeted cosmetic formulation containing TrinogeniX™, composed of synthetic small-molecule inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase, the prostaglandin D₂ receptor, and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, developed using the artificial intelligence-driven platform DeepZema^®, in individuals with AGA. This 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 56 participants, of whom 49 completed the study. Efficacy was assessed using phototrichogram analysis, visual evaluation by dermatologists, and subjective questionnaires. Safety was evaluated based on adverse event reports and dermatological examinations. The test group demonstrated a significant increase in hair density and thickness over 24 weeks (p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Expert visual assessments confirmed greater improvements in the test group. Subjective evaluations revealed consistently greater perceived improvements in hair loss symptoms, hair richness, and front hairline conditions in the test group. No adverse events or clinically significant abnormalities were observed. The multi-targeted cosmetic formulation (Motifull hair tonic) significantly improved hair density, thickness, and overall hair condition without adverse effects, suggesting its potential as a safe and effective option for AGA. Clinical trial registration: CRIS No. KCT0010804: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of “Motifull Hair Tonic” (tentative name) for the alleviation of hair loss symptoms. Full article

Pediculosis remains a public health problem among primary schoolchildren worldwide, including in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pediculosis and identify associated determinants among primary schoolgirls from different socio-geographic regions of Thailand to inform effective control strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 494 schoolgirls from eastern, northeastern, and southern provinces. Data on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, personal hygiene practices, parental knowledge and attitudes toward head lice, and school health policies were collected using questionnaires and interviews with school administrators. Univariable analyses and a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with school as a random effect were used to account for clustering. The overall prevalence of pediculosis was 50.81% (95% CI: 46.31–55.20), with significant variation across provinces. In univariable analysis, several factors were associated with infestation. However, after accounting for clustering, only class level (adjusted OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.31–7.29) and self-performed hair washing (adjusted OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.57–5.49) remained significantly associated with pediculosis, while other associations were attenuated. Parental knowledge was moderate, and commonly held beliefs regarding prevention and treatment varied. None of the participating schools had routine head lice screening policies. These findings indicate that pediculosis is likely influenced by both individual and school-level factors. Control efforts may benefit from coordinated school-based approaches, alongside improved access to effective treatment and targeted health education. Full article

Background: The cochlea is a specialized sensory organ essential for hearing. To elucidate its cellular and molecular architecture and prioritize candidate genes associated with hearing loss (HL), we constructed a cross-species single-cell transcriptomic atlas of human fetal and postnatal mouse cochleae. Methods: We integrated single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing datasets from human fetal cochleae and postnatal mouse cochleae to build a comprehensive cross-species single-cell transcriptomic atlas. Cell-type annotation, transcriptional regulator analysis, intercellular communication, and disease phenotypes were performed to dissect the cochlear cellular landscape, regulatory programs, and potential HL gene candidates. Results: A total of 19 major cochlear cell types were identified in both species, with conserved cellular composition and transcriptional programs. Comparative analysis revealed strong transcriptional conservation between matched human and mouse cell types, particularly in supporting, schwann cells and hair cells. Cell–cell communication analysis revealed conserved signaling pathways, including the BDNF-NTRK2 axis, potentially involved in cochlear development and auditory function. Regulatory network inference uncovered conserved and previously undercharacterized transcription factors, such as SKOR1, RFX2, and PAX2, predicted to be associated with hair cell identity and function. We further defined a conserved gene module of 3138 hair cell-enriched genes, from which 24 candidate HL-associated genes (e.g., ATP8B1, BDNF, and SOD1) were prioritized through integration with human disease databases and mouse auditory phenotype annotations. Conclusions: This study provides a high-resolution cross-species cochlear atlas, revealing conserved molecular programs and candidate HL-associated genes, offering valuable insights into auditory biology and potential avenues for further investigation. Full article

(1) Background: The “Bider” marking refers to the symmetrical black stripes distributed on the shoulder blades of Dun Mongolian horses, representing an ancestral trait of significant genetic value. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its formation remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the molecular basis of these markings by comparing transcriptomic differences in skin tissues from variously pigmented areas of Mongolian horses’ “Bider” patterns. (2) Methods: Using three Dun Mongolian horses as subjects, skin tissue samples were collected from their shoulders (dark-marked and light-marked areas), dorsal midline, and croup regions for transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were identified based on sequencing data, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Key findings were validated through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). (3) Results: The sequencing yielded approximately 893 million high-quality clean reads, with an overall alignment rate exceeding 96%. A total of 140 to 775 differentially expressed genes were identified. GO enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were significantly enriched in biological processes related to pigment metabolism, skin and hair follicle development, signal transduction (including calcium and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling), and immune regulation. KEGG analysis further indicated that multiple pathways closely associated with pigment regulation, including the calcium signaling pathway, tyrosine metabolism, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, and melanoma pathway, were significantly enriched across different tissue comparison groups, suggesting their potential key roles in coat color phenotype formation. The reliability of the sequencing data was corroborated by the results of qRT-PCR validation. (4) Conclusions: This study conducted a transcriptome analysis of skin samples from various pigmented regions of the Dun Mongolian horse’s Bider marking, revealing that the formation of this marking is associated with the differential expression of numerous genes and is co-regulated by multiple pigment-related signaling pathways. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from microbial sources, including beer yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), have recently attracted increasing attention as bioactive nanostructures with potential biomedical and cosmetic applications. In this study, EVs were isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (beer yeast) using an electrokinetic ion-binding filtration system, followed by tangential flow filtration (TFF)-based buffer exchange. Their physicochemical characteristics and hair follicle-related biological activities were systematically evaluated. Nanoparticle tracking analysis demonstrated a mean particle size within the typical EV range, and zeta potential analysis confirmed a negatively charged surface. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy further verified the presence of lipid bilayer-enclosed nanovesicles. Biological activity was assessed in human dermal papilla cells, keratinocytes, and dermal fibroblasts, which collectively represent key components of the hair follicle microenvironment. At non-cytotoxic concentrations, yeast-derived EVs enhanced dermal papilla cell proliferation and promoted keratinocyte migration. The EVs attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression under stimulated conditions and upregulated collagen-related gene expression in dermal fibroblasts. In addition, measurable antioxidant activity was observed. Collectively, these findings indicate that S. cerevisiae-derived extracellular vesicles exhibit multifunctional bioactivity relevant to the regulation of hair follicle-associated cellular processes. This study supports the potential of microbial EVs as scalable bioactive platforms for modulating hair follicle microenvironmental homeostasis. Full article

Werner syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive premature aging syndrome characterized by its development after puberty and death in patients in their 50s due to cancer or atherosclerotic disease. Early diagnosis can improve the management of disease, quality of life and prolong the lifespan of patients with Werner syndrome. Ophthalmologists should include Werner syndrome in the general work-up in patients with bilateral early-onset cataracts. We present a case of Werner syndrome with initial signs of juvenile cataracts. The patient had a high-pitched voice, a bird-like face and progeroid hair. We performed routine ophthalmological examinations including slit-lamp examinations, fundus examinations, and optical coherence tomography, and genetic analysis. The patient had plateau iris and pachychoroid-like features in addition to bilateral cataracts. The gene analysis revealed compound heterozygosity of Mut4 and Mut25 in WRN and the patient was diagnosed with Werner syndrome. After cataract surgeries, his visual acuities were improved. Additionally, we performed a thorough literature review to better understand the previously reported ocular manifestations in patients with Werner syndrome. Full article

Background: Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties; however, excessive exposure may contribute to inflammation and vascular dysfunction. Hair analysis provides an indicator of long-term Mn exposure. This study evaluated the relationship between hair Mn levels, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery disease (CAD) severity, and cardiovascular risk factors, with particular emphasis on metabolic status in a cardiometabolic population. Methods: Hair Mn concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in 80 patients (mean age 67 ± 11 years; 28.8% women) undergoing coronary angiography for suspected ACS. Final diagnoses included stable CAD (N = 42) and ACS [ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) N = 17, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) N = 12, and unstable angina (UA) N = 9]. CAD severity was quantified using the SYNTAX score and the Coronary Artery Surgery Study Score (CASSS). Associations with clinical variables were assessed using non-parametric tests and Spearman correlations. The median SYNTAX score was 13.8 (range 0.0–68.5), and the median hair Mn concentration was 0.22 ppm (range 0.01–1.65). Results: SYNTAX scores were higher in ACS than in stable CAD (p = 0.027), with the highest values observed in NSTEMI. Hair Mn levels did not differ among diagnostic groups and showed no association with CASSS or SYNTAX (R = −0.11; p = 0.348). No differences were detected with respect to sex, smoking, prior myocardial infarction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or type 2 diabetes. A modest inverse correlation was observed between hair Mn and body mass index (BMI) in unadjusted analysis (R = −0.25; p = 0.03), but this association was not robust after correction for multiple comparisons, suggesting a potential exploratory link between manganese homeostasis and cardiometabolic status. Conclusions: Although hair Mn concentration was not associated with angiographic indices of CAD severity or ACS subtypes, the observed relationship with BMI may indicate a role of Mn homeostasis in cardiometabolic regulation. Larger prospective studies are required to clarify these associations. Full article

This scoping review summarizes current computational image analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches for the assessment of hair and scalp disorders, with emphasis on quantitative trichoscopy and operator-independent evaluation. A deep Medline search was performed using a citation network-based approach using MeSH terms and complementary keywords covering diagnostic imaging, trichoscopy/videodermoscopy, image processing, algorithms, AI, and mobile/smartphone-based workflows. Overall, relatively few studies assess algorithms in real-world clinical pathways, and much of the retrieved literature is predominantly pre-clinical or methodology-driven. In parallel, commercially available AI-assisted trichoscopy platforms have little or no traceable peer-reviewed evidence; their validation methods and underlying datasets are often proprietary, undisclosed, and not directly comparable, limiting independent verification and cross-platform benchmarking. The most mature academic applications focus on follicular unit quantification (hair density, shaft diameter distribution, vellus-to-terminal ratio, and severity mapping), mainly using convolutional neural networks with object detection and instance segmentation. In conclusion, AI-assisted trichoscopy may support a shift toward standardized quantitative outputs, but clinical translation remains early and constrained by small or proprietary datasets, heterogeneous acquisition/annotation protocols, limited external validation, and scarce prospective studies. Full article