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Nguyen B, Thompson CT, Tosti A. A cross-sectional observational study showing sebaceous glands differences between psoriatic alopecia and alopecia areata. JAAD Int 2024; 15:155-156. [PMID: 38571696 PMCID: PMC10988029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Betty Nguyen
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Division of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California
| | - Curtis T. Thompson
- CTA Pathology, Portland, Oregon
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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2
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Guzel A, Tacyildiz N, Bakar-Ates F, Ozyoruk D, Celik A, Dincaslan H, Unal EC. Role of parental smoking and environmental tobacco smoke exposure in childhood cancer: A study using hair cotinine analysis and questionnaires. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024:e31007. [PMID: 38654470 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the etiology of childhood cancers, many genetic and environmental factors play a role. One of these factors could be cigarette smoking, and the main source of tobacco smoke exposure of children is parental smoking. However, establishing a causal relationship between parental smoking and childhood cancers has proven challenging due to difficulties in accurately detecting tobacco smoke exposure METHODS: To address this issue, we used hair cotinine analysis and a questionnaire to get information about tobacco smoke exposures of pediatric cancer patients and healthy children. A total of 104 pediatric cancer patients and 99 healthy children participated in our study. Parental smoking behaviors (pre-conceptional, during pregnancy, and current smoking) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposures of children are compared. RESULTS We have found no differences between two groups by means of maternal smoking behaviors. However, the rates of paternal pre-conceptional smoking and smoking during pregnancy were significantly low in cancer patients (p < .05). These data suggest that social desirability bias among fathers of cancer patients may have contributed to this discrepancy. According to questionnaire, cancer patients had significantly lower ETS exposures than healthy children (p < .05). However, ETS exposure assessment through cotinine analysis demonstrated that cancer patients had higher exposure to ETS compared to healthy children (p < .001). CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence supporting the potential role of smoking as a risk factor for childhood cancers. This study also revealed that questionnaires could cause biases. We suggest that cotinine analysis along with validated questionnaires can be used to prevent biases in studies of tobacco smoke in the etiology of childhood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Guzel
- Department of Pediatrics, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nurdan Tacyildiz
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Filiz Bakar-Ates
- Department of Biochemistry, Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Derya Ozyoruk
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Ankara Children's Hematology and Oncology Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aybuke Celik
- Department of Biochemistry, Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Handan Dincaslan
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emel Cabi Unal
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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3
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Ramírez Fernández MDM, Wille SMR, Meert N, Eliaerts J, Samyn N. Establishing effective interpretation criteria in hair analysis to distinguish between passive and active cocaine exposure: Insights from authentic hair samples collected from professional individuals exposed to cocaine. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38574760 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Interpretation results of hair analysis, particularly for cocaine, can be challenging due to the need to differentiate between active use or passive contamination. Our study aimed to assess the impact of varying degrees of passive cocaine exposure hair analysis results and their interpretation. Hair samples (n = 25) were categorized based on the declared cocaine exposure of volunteers: (a) high, involving handling up to several kilograms of cocaine powder from dismantling illegal distribution sites; (b) medium, where staff dealt with cocaine blocks (up to kilograms); and (c) low, with staff in contact with up to grams of cocaine for laboratory analysis. Hair samples were decontaminated using dichloromethane, water, and methanol. The samples and final wash were analyzed for cocaine, benzoylecgonine, norcocaine, cocaethylene, m-OH-benzoylecgonine, and ecgonine methyl ester using a validated UPLC-MS/MS method. Cocaine hair concentrations ranges were as follows (pg/mg): high (n = 53 segments) < LLOQ(32)-7046; medium (n = 91) < LLOQ-939; and low (n = 54) < LLOQ-292. All hair samples had concentrations below the LLOQ for cocaethylene, ecgonine methyl ester, and m-OH-benzoylecgonine. Applying the SoHT cocaine cut-off in combination with a hair/wash ratio criterion identified 97% of the samples as contaminated. This study advocates for a comprehensive approach in evaluating cocaine hair concentrations. This involves integrating the 500 pg/mg decision limit for cocaine with a criterion comparing wash and hair concentration. Additionally, confirming the presence of specific metabolites is crucial. This multifaceted method effectively distinguishes between environmental contamination and active cocaine usage. The research contributes significantly to refining cocaine exposure assessment in professional contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah M R Wille
- Federal Public Service Justice, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Natalie Meert
- Federal Public Service Justice, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joy Eliaerts
- Federal Public Service Justice, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nele Samyn
- Federal Public Service Justice, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
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Taketa TT, Rosenkrantz WS, Griffin CE, Bidot WA. In vitro efficacy of a topical antimicrobial mousse and shampoo at proximal and distal hair locations against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus schleiferi. Vet Dermatol 2024; 35:156-165. [PMID: 37749747 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topical therapy is essential in assisting with the resolution of pyoderma. OBJECTIVES (i) Evaluate the in vitro efficacy and residual activity of two different hair segments treated with shampoo and mousse against meticillin-sensitive and meticillin-resistant staphylococci; (ii) compare proximal and distal hair portions treated with the products and (iii) describe a new disc diffusion method for assessing residual efficacy. ANIMALS Eleven privately owned, medium-haired dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this randomised, blinded and negatively controlled study, dogs were treated once with a 3% chlorhexidine digluconate-0.5% ophytrium shampoo on the lateral thorax, and the corresponding mousse on the opposite side. Hairs were plucked before treatment, two hours post-treatment, and day (D)2, D4, D7, D10 and D14. Hairs were weighed (0.01 g) and cut (1.0 cm) from the proximal portion, moistened with saline and placed on a sterile diffusion disc to absorb the solution. Proximal and distal hair bundles and diffusion discs were placed onto agar inoculated with an isolate of meticillin-sensitive or meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius or Staphylococcus schleiferi. Inhibition zones were measured following incubation. RESULTS Distal hairs had larger (p < 0.001) inhibition zones compared to proximal hairs. Mousse had significant differences (p < 0.05) between time points and locations for both the hair bundles and discs, while shampoo only had a significant difference (p < 0.001) between time points for the hairs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Mousse was effective, and shampoo was only minimally effective in inhibiting bacterial growth in vitro, with the greatest effect occurring at the two hours time point. The distal hair shafts had greater inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tia T Taketa
- Animal Dermatology Clinic, Tustin, California, USA
| | | | | | - Willie A Bidot
- Office of Animal Resources, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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5
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Dumitrascu C, Gys C, Wille SMR, Del Mar Ramiréz-Fernandéz M, D'Hondt D, Van Goethem A, Van Rafelghem B, Baetens E, Jacobs W, Neels H, Covaci A, van Nuijs ALN. The complementarity of phosphatidylethanol in whole blood and ethyl glucuronide in hair as biomarkers for the monitoring of alcohol use. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:398-405. [PMID: 37515310 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring long-term alcohol use and/or abstinence is essential in clinical and medico-legal cases. Analysis of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair provides information on alcohol consumption over several months. However, there is a lag time between ethanol consumption, incorporation of EtG in the hair bulb and hair growing out of the scalp. Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) 16:0/18:1 analysis in whole blood has a detection window of 2-4 weeks, allowing for the detection of recent alcohol consumption. In this study, 2340 paired samples (of hair and venous whole blood from 1170 individuals) were analysed for EtG in hair (hEtG) and PEth 16:0/18:1 in venous whole blood. PEth 16:0/18:1 and hEtG results were subdivided into three categories according to the consensus of SoHT (hEtG) and PEth-NET (PEth): abstinence/low, moderate or excessive alcohol consumption. For hEtG analysis, 446 individuals presented abstinence/low alcohol consumption, of which 2% were classified as excessive alcohol users through PEth 16:0/18:1 analysis. This suggests excessive alcohol consumption in the weeks before sample collection. Out of 483 individuals classified as heavy alcohol users based on hEtG analysis, 14% showed abstinence/low alcohol consumption for PEth 16:0/18:1 analysis, implying that these subjects stopped drinking 2-4 weeks before sample collection. Our results show that the analysis of the two different biomarkers can lead to a more accurate categorisation of individuals. Therefore, we emphasize that for the retrospective investigation of alcohol use, it is necessary to include two alcohol use biomarkers with different detection windows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celine Gys
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah M R Wille
- Federal Public Service Justice, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Diona D'Hondt
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Alexia Van Goethem
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Babette Van Rafelghem
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Eline Baetens
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Werner Jacobs
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Hugo Neels
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Narozhnykh K. Development of a Predictive Model for Iron Levels in Bovine Muscle Tissue Using Hair as a Predictor. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1028. [PMID: 38612266 PMCID: PMC11010929 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The assessment of iron levels in cattle muscle tissue is crucial for livestock management because it influences both animal health and meat quality, key factors in sustainable development. This study aimed to develop an optimal model for noninvasively predicting the iron content in Hereford cattle muscle tissue, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the animals' elemental status. The research involved the atomic absorption analysis of muscle tissue and hair samples from cattle. A regression model was constructed using the least squares method to identify the most effective approach. These findings have ecological applications, aiding in evaluating environmental health and establishing acceptable iron thresholds for animals. The proposed mathematical model utilizing biomarkers (levels of Mg, K, Fe, Al, Cr in hair) will allow for the assessment of iron levels in cattle muscle tissue throughout the period of productive use, with the possibility of adjustment and tracking the changes in elemental status over time. The utilization of the developed method will enable the diagnosis of animal elementosis and assessment of the iron level burden. Subsequently, this will allow for the improvement of the qualitative characteristics of the final product. Thus, the obtained data contribute to fundamental knowledge regarding the content and variability of iron levels in the muscle tissue of cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Narozhnykh
- Department of Veterinary Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Novosibirsk State Agricultural University, 160 Dobrolyubova Str., Novosibirsk 630039, Russia
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Grabenauer M, Vikingsson S, Olson RA, Lyons FE, Davis LS, Hayes ED, Flegel RR. Systematic web monitoring of drug test subversion strategies in the United States. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38520174 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
As negative drug tests are frequently a condition for employment, some people who use drugs will try to subvert the testing. In this study, systematic web monitoring was used to investigate how drug test subversion is discussed online. Posts pertaining to drug test subversion were obtained from public websites and the dark web (n = 634, July-December 2021). Most information from public websites came from Twitter (65%), and 94% of dark web posts were from Reddit. The posts were manually coded to extract quantitative and qualitative information about drug test subversion tactics. Most posts discussed urine drug tests (85%), followed by hair (11%) and oral fluid (2%), and the most discussed drugs were marijuana (72%) and cocaine (7.3%). Urine drug test subversion mainly pertained to specimen substitution, with synthetic urine or urine from another person. Another strategy was to mask diluted urine by ingesting creatine. Urine adulteration was rarely discussed. Hair test subversion involved harsh treatments with products such as bleach, baking soda, and/or detergent. Hair removal was also discussed. Oral fluid test subversion focused on removing drugs from the oral cavity through vigorous brushing of teeth and tongue as well as the use of mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, gum, and commercial detox products. This study highlights subversion strategies used by donors. Although little evidence was provided as to the effectiveness of these strategies, this information may help guide future studies and development of specimen validity testing to minimize the impact of drug test subversion attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Grabenauer
- Center for Forensic Science Advancement and Application, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Svante Vikingsson
- Center for Forensic Science Advancement and Application, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard A Olson
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Faith E Lyons
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Lisa S Davis
- Division of Workplace Programs, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Eugene D Hayes
- Division of Workplace Programs, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ronald R Flegel
- Division of Workplace Programs, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Vilfranc CL, Houghton LC, Tsui F, Barrett E, Llanos AAM, Pennell K, Walker DAH, Martinez M, Morton B, Shepard P, Terry MB, McDonald JA. The hair tales of women of color in Northern Manhattan: a qualitative analysis. Front Reprod Health 2024; 6:1298615. [PMID: 38559324 PMCID: PMC10978798 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1298615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates, can negatively impact maternal and child health, contributing to impaired fetal growth, preterm birth, and pregnancy complications, as well as increased downstream risks of cardiometabolic disease and breast cancer. Notably, women of color (WOC) are the largest consumers of personal care products, which are a common source of EDC exposure. Methods The Let's Reclaim Our Ancestral Roots (Let's R.O.A.R) Pilot Study developed an educational intervention delivered during pregnancy to promote reduced use of phthalate-containing hair care products (HCPs). This mixed-methods study included: (1) a quantitative analysis and (2) a qualitative analysis of the educational sessions and the semi-structured focus groups to evaluate the factors that influenced the hair care practices and product choices of WOC at various stages of life, including their current pregnancy (hereafter referred to as the hair journey). During the sessions, participants learned about EDCs (with a focus on phthalates), the unequal burden of exposure for WOC, adverse implications of exposure, and exposure reduction strategies. Focus group sessions provided insight into participants' hair journeys from childhood to the current pregnancy and explored factors during their hair product selection process. All sessions were transcribed and imported into NVivo Version 12 for coding and thematic analysis. Results A total of 46 individuals were enrolled in the study, and 31 participated in an educational session. This current work synthesizes the qualitative analysis of this study. We identified two important life stages (before and after gaining agency over hair care practices and product choices) and three dominant themes related to HCP use: (1) products that impacted the hair journey, which involved all mentions of hair products, (2) factors that influenced the hair journey, which included individuals or entities that shaped participants' hair experiences, and (3) the relationship between hair and sense of self, where sense of self was defined as the alignment of one's inner and outer beauty. Conclusion The themes intersected and impacted the participants' hair journey. Cultural integration was a sub-theme that overlapped within the dominant themes and participants discussed the effect of traditions on their hair experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystelle L. Vilfranc
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lauren C. Houghton
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Felice Tsui
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emily Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Adana A. M. Llanos
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kurt Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | | | - Micaela Martinez
- We ACT for Environmental Justice, New York, NY, United States
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Beaumont Morton
- We ACT for Environmental Justice, New York, NY, United States
| | - Peggy Shepard
- We ACT for Environmental Justice, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mary Beth Terry
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jasmine A. McDonald
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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Zhou X, Chen Y, Yang H, Wang Y, Sun Y, Zhou J. [Level and health evaluation of rare earth elements in human blood and hair in the mining areas in Northwest Hubei]. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu 2024; 53:275-281. [PMID: 38604964 DOI: 10.19813/j.cnki.weishengyanjiu.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the content of rare earth elements(REs)in blood and hair of residents in a RE mining area in Northwest Hubei, and evaluate the impact of REs on the health status of local residents. METHODS A total of 191 residents from the core area of RE mining areas and 186 residents from non RE mining areas, aged 20-69, were selected. The content of REs in the blood and hair of the survey subjects was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and compared with existing literature values. At the same time, blood tests and questionnaire surveys will be conducted on the health status of residents to examine whether human RE enrichment can lead to endemic diseases. RESULTS The average total content of REs in the blood of residents in the mining area was 60.22 ng/mL, which was 3.35 times that of the control area; The average total content of REs in hair was 1197.91 ng/g, which was 6.32 times higher than the control area. As age increasing, the abundance of REs in the blood and hair of both men and women in mining areas increased. The proportion of Yttrium and Scandium in the blood and hair were much higher than that in the soil. Compared to hair, Yttrium and Scandium were more easily enriched in the blood. There was no significant difference in the probability of fatty liver, hepatitis B, hypoglycemia, hypotension, hypertension and heart disease and the average life span between residents in RE mining areas and those in the control area. CONCLUSION The high daily average dietary intake of REs in residents leads to a relatively large accumulation of REs in human blood and hair, but no significant and substantial human health damage has been found at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanjiang Normal University, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yun Chen
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanjiang Normal University, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Haibo Yang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanjiang Normal University, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanjiang Normal University, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yong Sun
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanjiang Normal University, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanjiang Normal University, Shiyan 442000, China
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10
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Shokravi A, Zargham H. Facial hair enhancement with minoxidil-an off-label use. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2024; 12:2050313X241231490. [PMID: 38404498 PMCID: PMC10894539 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x241231490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Minoxidil was first introduced in the 1970s as an anti-hypertensive medication. Hypertrichosis and scalp hair regrowth were noted by users, and the topical formulation of minoxidil was later approved by the Food and Drug Administration for androgenic alopecia and female pattern hair loss. Since then, minoxidil has been used off-label for various hair loss conditions and cosmetic outcomes. There are a multitude of informal reports on online communities presenting personal anecdotes regarding minoxidil's effectiveness as a facial hair enhancement tool; however, this has been seldom discussed in the literature. In this report, we will present a case of identical twin males, one of which used topical 5% minoxidil for over a year on the beard and mustache area, while the other abstained from using the medication.
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11
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Thieme D, Weigel K, Anielski P, Krumbholz A, Sporkert F, Keiler AM. Elimination profile of low-dose chlortalidone and its detection in hair for doping analysis-Implication for unintentional non-therapeutic exposure. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38374541 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlef Thieme
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Kai Weigel
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Patricia Anielski
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Aniko Krumbholz
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Frank Sporkert
- Centre of Legal Medicine, Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Unit, Lausanne and Geneva Universities, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Annekathrin M Keiler
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
- Environmental Monitoring and Endocrinology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Kintz P, Gheddar L. Interest of hair tests to discriminate a tail end of a doping regimen from a meat contamination in case of challenging an antidoping rule violation. III. Case report involving boldenone. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38356252 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Kintz
- X-Pertise Consulting, Mittelhausbergen, France
- Institut de medecine légale, Strasbourg, France
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Krawczyk-Wołoszyn K, Roczkowski D, Reich A. Evaluation of Surface Structure and Morphological Phenomena of Caucasian Virgin Hair with Atomic Force Microscopy. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024; 60:297. [PMID: 38399584 PMCID: PMC10890343 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a type of scanning microscopy (SPM), which has a resolution of fractions of a nanometer on the atomic scale, is widely used in materials science. To date, research using AFM in medicine has focused on neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis, cancer tumors, cell receptors, proteins and the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system. Only a few small studies of hair imaging have been conducted, mostly in biotechnology or cosmetology. Thanks to the possibilities offered by AFM imaging, dermatologists can non-invasively assess the condition of hair and its possible disorders. Our goal was to capture images and microscopically analyze morphological changes in the surface of healthy hair. Materials and Methods: In this study, three to five hairs were collected from each person. Each hair was examined at nine locations (0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; 3.5; 4.5; 5.5; 6.5 and 7.0 cm from the root). At least 4 images (4-10 images) were taken at each of the 9 locations. A total of 496 photos were taken and analyzed. Metric measurements of hair scales, such as apparent length, width and scale step height, were taken. Results: This publication presents the changes occurring in hair during the natural delamination process. In addition, morphoological changes visualized on the surface of healthy hair (pitting, oval indentations, rod-shaped macro-fibrillar elements, globules, scratches, wavy edge) are presented. A quantitative analysis of the structures found was carried out. Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used in further research and work related to the subject of human hair. They can serve as a reference for research on scalp and hair diseases, as well as hair care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Krawczyk-Wołoszyn
- Doctoral School, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of the Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Damian Roczkowski
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of the Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Adam Reich
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of the Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
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14
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Chang CW, Hsu JY, Lo YT, Liu YH, Mee-inta O, Lee HT, Kuo YM, Liao PC. Characterization of Hair Metabolome in 5xFAD Mice and Patients with Alzheimer's Disease Using Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:527-538. [PMID: 38269400 PMCID: PMC10853927 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hair emerged as a biospecimen for long-term investigation of endogenous metabolic perturbations, reflecting the chemical composition circulating in the blood over the past months. Despite its potential, the use of human hair for metabolomics in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research remains limited. Here, we performed both untargeted and targeted metabolomic approaches to profile the key metabolic pathways in the hair of 5xFAD mice, a widely used AD mouse model. Furthermore, we applied the discovered metabolites to human subjects. Hair samples were collected from 6-month-old 5xFAD mice, a stage marked by widespread accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, followed by sample preparation and high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Forty-five discriminatory metabolites were discovered in the hair of 6-month-old 5xFAD mice compared to wild-type control mice. Enrichment analysis revealed three key metabolic pathways: arachidonic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. Among these pathways, six metabolites demonstrated significant differences in the hair of 2-month-old 5xFAD mice, a stage prior to the onset of amyloid plaque deposition. These findings suggest their potential involvement in the early stages of AD pathogenesis. When evaluating 45 discriminatory metabolites for distinguishing patients with AD from nondemented controls, a combination of l-valine and arachidonic acid significantly differentiated these two groups, achieving a 0.88 area under the curve. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential of hair metabolomics in identifying disease-specific metabolic alterations and developing biomarkers for improving disease detection and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Chang
- Department
of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Yi Hsu
- Department
of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tai Lo
- Department
of Geriatrics and Gerontology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital,
College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung
University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Department
of Public Health, College of Medicine, National
Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Liu
- Department
of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Onanong Mee-inta
- Institute
of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Te Lee
- Institute
of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Institute
of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Department
of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Chi Liao
- Department
of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Department
of Food Safety/Hygiene and Risk Management, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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15
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Cheon JE, Kim JJ, Kim YH. Wives with long and high-quality hair have more frequent sex. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1294660. [PMID: 38374930 PMCID: PMC10875736 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1294660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The image of an ideal woman often involves her having long, silky hair. However, the dearth of psychological research on hair limits the understanding of how women's hair functions in romantic relationships. While some scholars have found that the appearance of women's hair signals reproductive potential to men, whether women's hair may affect their sexual lives remains unknown. To investigate the function of hair in romantic relationships, we tested whether women's hair quality and length are associated with sexual frequency in marital dyads. We conducted a paid online survey involving 204 heterosexual marital dyads. The results indicated that women with long and high-quality hair experienced more frequent sexual intercourse with their spouse, as it heightened their husband's perception of their attractiveness and, consequently, intensified their husband's sexual desire toward them. Neither men's hair length nor quality was associated with sexual frequency. Implications of the study are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Social and Cultural Psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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16
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Arbouche N, Raul JS, Kintz P. Evidence of exposure to flecainide in a newborn by keratinous matrices testing and interpretation of the findings. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:162-167. [PMID: 37290775 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric poisoning represents a serious problem all around the world. Abuse or neglect of children by adults must be highlighted in children exposed to drugs to which they would not normally have access. Usually, segmental hair analysis would allow in these contexts to determine whether the exposure was unique or repetitive. Hair and nail samples from a 9-month-old girl were received in our laboratory for analysis, after the child was hospitalized due to severe dehydration caused by her mother's neglect. At the admission, flecainide, an antiarrhythmic never prescribed to the child, was identified in the daughter urine. Using an LC-MS/MS method, flecainide tested positive in the child's hair at the following concentrations: 66 pg/mg (root to 1 cm), 61 pg/mg (1-2 cm), and 125 pg/mg (2-3 cm). Traces below the limit of quantification (1 pg/mg) were also present in the nail clippings. These concentrations are much lower than those obtained in adults under daily treatment. Given the different pharmacokinetic and dynamic parameters in children, the different rate of hair growth, and the greater porosity of the hair, which makes it more prone to external contamination, the interpretation of hair findings in children remains very complicated. In this case, it can be assumed that the presence of the drug in the urine indicates systemic incorporation and that administration had occurred for some months (three positive segments). The interpretation of hair tests from young children needs a global review of all the findings, as a positive result cannot stand alone to claim repetitive exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pascal Kintz
- Institut de médecine légale, Strasbourg, France
- X-Pertise Consulting, Mittelhausbergen, France
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17
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Gu Y, Tang GT, Cheung ASZ, Sebaratnam DF. Dermatological considerations for transgender and gender diverse patients: An Australian perspective. Australas J Dermatol 2024; 65:24-36. [PMID: 37919972 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are a group that experiences significant health disparities. In the multidisciplinary management of TGD patients, dermatologists may participate in managing skin- and hair-related issues which contribute to gender affirmation and to the cutaneous sequelae of gender-affirming hormone therapy. This review aims to highlight the unique needs of TGD patients, particularly from the perspective of Australian dermatologists. We review appropriate terminology critical for TGD care, gender affirmation in the Australian healthcare landscape, dermatological considerations for TGD patients and considerations for management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Gu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gia Toan Tang
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ada Sau-Zhuen Cheung
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deshan Frank Sebaratnam
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Viljanto M, Love C, White D, Habershon-Butcher J, Hincks P, Gray B, Scarth J. Detection of methandienone and its metabolites in equine urine, plasma and hair following a multidose oral administration. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38234065 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Methandienone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid that is prohibited in equine sports due to its potential performance enhancing properties. Metabolism and detection of methandienone in equine urine have been investigated comprehensively in literature; however, there is a limited knowledge about its metabolites in equine plasma and no information about its detection in equine hair. Following a multi-dose oral administration of methandienone to two Thoroughbred horses, 17-epimethandienone, methyltestosterone, two mono-hydroxylated, two di-hydroxylated and three 17α-methylandrostanetriol metabolites were detected in plasma. The majority of these were present as free analytes, whilst the mono-hydroxylated metabolites and one isomer of 17α-methylandrostanetriol were partially conjugated. Estimated peak concentrations of methandienone were 6,000 and 11,100 pg/ml; meanwhile, they were 25.4 and 40.5 pg/ml for methyltestosterone. The most abundant analyte in the post-administration plasma samples of both horses was the mono-hydroxylated metabolite; however, the parent compound provided the longest detection (up to 96 h). Screening analysis of hair enabled the detection of methandienone in mane hair samples only, for up to 3 months. Its mono- and di-hydroxylated metabolites were detected with greater peak responses for up to 6 months post-administration in both mane and tail samples, showing that these metabolites could be better analytical targets for hair analysis when administered orally. A follow-up methodology with an extensive wash procedure confirmed the presence of methandienone and its metabolites in a number of post-administration hair samples. Final wash samples were also analysed to assess the degree of internal incorporation (via bloodstream) against possible external deposition (via sweat/sebum).
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19
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Rodrigues Gonçalves M, Nogueira Cruvinel VR, Verpaele S, Bashash M, Pintas Marques C, Urbano MR, Paoliello MMB, Aschner M, da Silva Santos V. Metal levels in waste pickers in Brasilia, Brazil: hair and nail as exposure matrices. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2024; 87:77-90. [PMID: 37942931 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2023.2276372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare workplace conditions and metal exposures in 431 waste pickers who worked nearby at the Estrutural Dump in Brasilia utilizing hair (n = 310) and nail (n = 355) as matrices of exposure. Waste pickers were grouped according to their workplace (open waste dump: G1 and sorting plants: G2). Hair and nail samples were collected and analyzed using ICP-MS. The work duration in the facilities was significantly different between the groups with averages of 16.46 (8.48) yrs and 9.26 (6.28) yrs for hair donors in G1 and G2, and 15.92 (7.72) yrs and 8.55 (5.77) yrs for toenail donors in G1 and G2, respectively. The arithmetic means (μg/g) of cadmium, copper, lead, and manganese in hair were significantly higher in G2 (0.076 ± 0.133; 19.61 ± 18.16; 2.27 ± .56 and 3.87 ± 5.59, respectively) compared to G1 (0.069 ± 0.235; 15.72 ± 15.18; 1.72 ± 4.04 and 3.65 ± 5.5, respectively). Concentrations of arsenic, barium, cadmium, copper, cobalt, lead, manganese, and molybdenum in nail were significantly higher in G2 (0.57 ± 0.39; 22.74 ± 42.06; 0.1 ± 0.08; 22.7 ± 51.60; 0.48 ± 0.45; 4.69 ± 9.43; 19.07 ± 20.75; 1.80 ± 1.76, respectively) compared to G1 (0.40 ± 0.28; 15.32 ± 22.31; 0.08 ± 0.11; 11.91 ± 16.25; 0.37 ± 0.37; 3.94 ± 15.04; 13.01 ± 19.08; 1.16 ± 1.80, respective. Our findings suggest that the studied population was exposed to toxic metals and indicates the need for chemical exposure prevention policies to monitor chemical risk exposures in waste pickers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven Verpaele
- Nickel Institute, Belgian Center for Occupational Hygiene, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Morteza Bashash
- USC, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carla Pintas Marques
- Faculty of Ceilandia, Public Health Department, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Michael Aschner
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Bronx, NY, USA
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20
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Salvator H, Lamy E, Roquencourt C, Bardin E, Devillier P, Grassin-Delyle S. Therapeutic drug monitoring of corticosteroids/β 2-agonists in the hair of patients with asthma: an open-label feasibility study. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1339835. [PMID: 38269282 PMCID: PMC10807032 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1339835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Although adherence to inhaled medication is critically important for treatment efficiency, around half of patients taking these drugs are non-adherent or make critical errors when using their delivery device. Segmental hair analysis might be a valuable tool for therapeutic monitoring because hair concentrations reflect exposure from month to month. The objective of the present proof-of-concept study was to establish the feasibility of segmental hair analysis of inhaled budesonide and formoterol in asthma patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective, open-label, interventional study of adult patients being treated with budesonide/formoterol for controlled, moderate-to-severe asthma (CorticHair, NCT03691961). Asthma control, lung function, and medication adherence were recorded. Hair samples were taken 4 months after enrolment and cut into four 1 cm segments. Results: Samples were available from 21 patients (20 women; median age: 53; median budesonide dose: 600 μg/d). Budesonide and formoterol were detected in samples from 18 to 13 patients, respectively. The median hair concentrations were 6.25 pg/mg for budesonide and 0.9 pg/mg for formoterol. The intrapatient coefficient of variation between hair segments was 21% for budesonide and 40% for formoterol. Pearson's coefficients for the correlations between the hair concentration and the self-reported drug dose and the prescribed drug dose were respectively 0.42 (p = 0.08) and 0.29 (p = 0.25) for budesonide and 0.24 (p = 0.44) and 0.17 (p = 0.57) for formoterol. Conclusion: Segmental hair analysis of inhaled medications was feasible, with low intrapatient variability. This innovative, non-invasive means of assessing monthly drug exposure might help physicians to personalize drug regimens for patients with difficult-to-treat asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Salvator
- Exhalomics, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Pharmacologie Respiratoire—VIM Suresnes, UMR 0892, Université Paris-Saclay, Suresnes, France
| | - Elodie Lamy
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, Infection et inflammation (2I), U1173, Département de Biotechnologie de La Santé, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Bardin
- Exhalomics, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, Infection et inflammation (2I), U1173, Département de Biotechnologie de La Santé, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Institut Necker Enfants Malades, U1151, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Devillier
- Exhalomics, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Pharmacologie Respiratoire—VIM Suresnes, UMR 0892, Université Paris-Saclay, Suresnes, France
| | - Stanislas Grassin-Delyle
- Exhalomics, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, Infection et inflammation (2I), U1173, Département de Biotechnologie de La Santé, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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21
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Yin N, Jiang X, Yu M, Yang Y, Ge H, Han TL, Qi H. The maternal hair metabolome is capable of discriminating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy from uncomplicated pregnancy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1280833. [PMID: 38260149 PMCID: PMC10801165 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1280833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disease associated with elevated bile acids in the blood. Diagnosis typically only occurs after the manifestation of clinical symptoms and the metabolic mechanisms underlying its development remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate potential specific metabolites and the underlying metabolic changes occurring during the development of ICP in the maternal plasma and hair metabolomes of women diagnosed with either ICP or having a healthy pregnancy. Methods A total of 35 Chinese women with ICP and 42 healthy pregnancies were enrolled in our study. Plasma and hair samples, total bile acid levels (TBA), alanine transaminase levels (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase levels (AST), and additional clinical information were collected during the third trimester. Metabolites from maternal plasma and hair segments collected pre-conception and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results Three plasma metabolites (p < 0.05, q < 0.38) and 21 hair metabolites (p < 0.05, q < 0.05) were significantly different between ICP and healthy pregnancies. A combination of the eight most significant hair metabolites in a multivariate receiver operating characteristic curve model showed the best area under the curve (AUC) was 0.885, whereas the highest AUC using metabolites from plasma samples was only 0.74. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed 32 pathways were significantly (p and q values < 0.05) affected in the hair samples of patients with ICP. Pathways associated with glutathione metabolism and ABC transporters were affected. No metabolic pathways were significantly affected in plasma. Discussion Overall, this study showed that the hair metabolome could be more useful than the plasma metabolome for distinguishing ICP from normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanlin Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiuping Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Muhua Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huisheng Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting-Li Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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22
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Subramanyam C, Becker A, Rizzo J, Afzal N, Nong Y, Sivamani R. Visibility of Board-Certified Dermatologists on TikTok. JMIR Dermatol 2024; 7:e46085. [PMID: 38180786 PMCID: PMC10799275 DOI: 10.2196/46085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Tik Tok is an emerging social media platform that provides a novel opportunity for health practitioners such as dermatologists to disseminate accurate health information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitra Subramanyam
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, United States
| | - Alyssa Becker
- John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Julianne Rizzo
- College of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Najiba Afzal
- College of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Yvonne Nong
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, United States
| | - Raja Sivamani
- Pacific Skin Institute, Sacramento, CA, United States
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23
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Kintz P. Drug transfer during intimate moments: A key issue in doping control that can be documented by hair tests of the athlete and the partner. Med Sci Law 2024; 64:72-76. [PMID: 37161267 DOI: 10.1177/00258024231173346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or its markers in an athlete's sample constitutes the more frequent anti-doping rules violation. In the world anti-doping code, it is indicated (point 10.5) that if someone establishes in an individual case that the athlete bears no fault or negligence, then the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility shall be eliminated. The conditions that have to be met to fix the no fault or negligence evidence are described in several other points of the code. The following two points are of paramount importance: 1. the athlete or his/her legal representative must present verified circumstances of contamination and the source of contamination must be identified; and
2. there must be verified claims by the athlete about the fact that he/she did not knowingly take the prohibited substance, i.e., that the violation was not intentional.In recent years, several cases of contamination involving drug transfer during intimate moments have been reported. This later situation was first reported in 2009 with the Richard Gasquet case. Since that time, several athletes have been allowed to return to competition with no charge based on strong evidence that the source of contamination was drug transfer during intimate moments. As some of these cases are public and because the author performed hair tests for the majority of the international athletes involved in such procedures, the strategy of the defence and the scientific bases of discussion are reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Kintz
- X-Pertise Consulting, Mittelhausbergen, France
- Institut de médecine légale, Strasbourg, France
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24
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Hulse L, Tomsett C, Roser A, Clark L, Meer H, Pyne M, Fenelon JC, Renfree MB, Johnston S. An evaluation of DNA sample source and molecular markers to determine gender in the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Zoo Biol 2024; 43:92-99. [PMID: 37905691 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The short-beaked echidna is sexually monomorphic such that gender identification without veterinary intervention is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the most optimal noninvasive genetic source by extracting echidna genomic DNA (gDNA) from fecal scats, plucked hair, and quills to perform genetic sex testing using a range of molecular markers. Sex determination of 14 captive short-beaked echidnas was determined by amplifying isolated DNA from noninvasive samples, targeting two Y chromosome (male-specific) genes (mediator complex subunit 26 Y-gametologue [CRSPY] and anti-Müllerian hormone Y-gametologue [AMHY]), in addition to four confirmed sex-specific RADseq markers. Results of noninvasive samples were compared with blood samples and clinical records. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess accuracy of sex determination of markers for each sample type. The gender of the echidnas was successfully identified on 75% of occasions using fecal samples, 90.6% occasions using hair, and 84.6% occasions with quills. Overall, the male-specific RADseq markers accurately identified the sex of echidnas with all sample types for 90% of animals; compared with 81.5% using CRSPY, and 82.0% using AMHY to identify sex. Collection of hair, quills, and feces provides a useful alternative to invasively collected samples, however, the accuracy of results depends on sample type and genetic marker selected. We found gender determination in the short-beaked echidna was most accurate using four male-specific RADseq markers on gDNA isolated from blood and hair. The noninvasive genetic sexing techniques documented here will inform and facilitate husbandry and genetic management of captive echidna populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndal Hulse
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - Caitlin Tomsett
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - Alice Roser
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Australia
| | - Lauren Clark
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Australia
| | - Haley Meer
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Australia
| | - Michael Pyne
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Australia
| | - Jane C Fenelon
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
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Ewulu A, Amibang R, Deng M. Review of hair prosthetic options for patients with alopecia. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024; 23:8-16. [PMID: 37387649 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced cases of alopecia can be very difficult to treat pharmacologically. Hair loss can be emotionally taxing for many, leading to depression, anxiety, or suicide. Currently, there is limited medical literature on prosthetic hair devices available for patients with alopecia. AIM The purpose of this review is to educate dermatologists with a thorough review of hair prostheses to assist them in counseling patients with alopecia. PATIENTS/METHODS We provide an overview of the various hair prostheses in detail and discuss their respective advantages and disadvantages. RESULTS When considering the optimal hair prosthesis for a patient, it's important to know the hair coverage the patient requires, the material of different attachments, the type of hair fiber required, and the cap foundation. Additionally, financial options and potential adverse effects after applying a prosthesis to the scalp are important aspects to consider. CONCLUSION A dermatologist should be able to discuss hair camouflaging techniques with their patients, including the benefits of the various options based on patients' preferences, needs, and type of hair loss. Dermatologists are the experts in the management of skin, nail, and hair disorders, and an understanding of the prosthetic options available to patients with alopecia can improve patient care and quality of life outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adaora Ewulu
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Randy Amibang
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Min Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Medstar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
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Needle CD, Ramachandran V, Oza VS. Knotted lanugo in a newborn: Cultural practices revealed. Pediatr Dermatol 2024; 41:164-165. [PMID: 38072005 DOI: 10.1111/pde.15490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Across the world, there are varied cultural practices applied in the newborn period that pediatric dermatologists need to be familiar with. This report details a 9-day-old girl who presented with black, spike-like hairs across the back after her mother had been rubbing breast milk on her back in a circular motion for the first 7 days of life. On dermatoscopic exam, these lesions were found to be tight bundles of lanugo hairs, consistent with a diagnosis of knotted lanugo. Improved understanding of cultural practices and newborn skin care routines is critical for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carli D Needle
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vignesh Ramachandran
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vikash S Oza
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Kist MN, Ken KM. The use of plastic, disposable combs for hair retraction in dermatologic surgery. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024; 90:e9-e10. [PMID: 35341890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madison N Kist
- Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Kimberly M Ken
- Department of Dermatology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
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Demircioğlu D, Durmaz EÖ. Luminescence of favipiravir in skin appendages and sclera. A controlled study and literature review. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2024; 40:e12919. [PMID: 37882104 DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Favipiravir is an antiviral agent, recently used for COVID-19 infections. Several reports associate favipiravir intake with Wood's lamp fluorescence of hair, nails, and sclera. The present study was designed to elucidate the positivity rates, and sites of favipiravir-related fluorescence and to unravel the site-specific changes in fluorescence positivity rates by a function of time past exposure. METHODS The study population comprised 50 patients and 50 control individuals. All patients in the patient group had received a full dose of favipiravir for COVID-19 infection. Fifty volunteers served as the control group. Wood's lamp examination was performed in a completely darkened room, and the positivity rate, extent, pattern, and distribution of fluorescence were recorded. RESULTS Wood's light revealed fluorescence of the fingernails, toenails, sclera, and hair in 35 (70%), 35 (70%), 22 (44%), and 8 (16%) patients, respectively. No control individual tested positive by Wood's lamp. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between patient and control groups in terms of Wood's light luminescence in the fingernails (p = .000), toenails (p = .000), sclera (p = .000) and hair (p = .003). Although fingernail, toenail, and hair fluorescence positivity rates declined or ceased at or after 91 days of favipiravir exposure, ocular fluorescence positivity rates were prolonged up to 188 days. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm that favipiravir may produce fluorescence of nails, sclera, and hair, detectable by Wood's light starting from the initial month and peaking at second- and third months following exposure to the medication. Although nail and hair fluorescence tend to abate after 3 months, ocular fluorescence may persist even longer than 6 months after cessation of the medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Demircioğlu
- Department of Dermatology, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emel Öztürk Durmaz
- Department of Dermatology, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Sims JP, Haynes A, Lanius C. Exploring the utility of eye tracking for sociological research on race. Br J Sociol 2024; 75:65-72. [PMID: 37731176 DOI: 10.1111/1468-4446.13054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
One part of the social construction of race is the symbolic association of given physical features with different races. This research note explores the utility of eye tracking for sociological research on racial perception, that is, for determining what race someone 'looks like.' Results reveal that participants gave greatest attention to targets' hair. This was especially so when targets of all races had straight hair or when a target identified as Black/White mixed-race. The mixed-race results in particular provide physiological evidence of the theory of multiracial dissection. We conclude by suggesting that eye tracking can be useful to sociologists by revealing subconscious tendencies and biases which, once identified, can be consciously addressed in service to reducing social disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Patrice Sims
- Department of Sociology, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Alex Haynes
- Independent Social Researcher, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Candice Lanius
- Independent Human Factors Engineering Researcher, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
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Ufomadu P. Complementary and alternative supplements: a review of dermatologic effectiveness for androgenetic alopecia. Proc AMIA Symp 2023; 37:111-117. [PMID: 38174012 PMCID: PMC10761108 DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2023.2263829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a dermatologic condition with no current cure. Treatments such as minoxidil have been proven to be effective; however, the side effects can be unpleasant. As a result, the utilization of natural remedies for treatment has increased over the years. There is limited scientific evidence that addresses the efficacy of these supplements in combating AGA. Methods A review was conducted of the effectiveness of popular complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in adult patients experiencing AGA. A literature search was performed for the period of 1993 to 2023 using PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Results Natural ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, melatonin extract, caffeine extract, and rosemary oil were effective in treating AGA either when compared to baseline or a definite AGA Western medication, such as minoxidil. These natural agents also presented minimal side effects. Conclusion Certain CAMs can be promising for hair loss treatment. There is a need for more scientific research to better explore the efficacy of currently identified CAMs in treating AGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Promise Ufomadu
- Department of Dermatology and School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Rosendo LM, Antunes M, Simão AY, Brinca AT, Catarro G, Pelixo R, Martinho J, Pires B, Soares S, Cascalheira JF, Passarinha L, Rosado T, Barroso M, Gallardo E. Sensors in the Detection of Abused Substances in Forensic Contexts: A Comprehensive Review. Micromachines (Basel) 2023; 14:2249. [PMID: 38138418 PMCID: PMC10745465 DOI: 10.3390/mi14122249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Forensic toxicology plays a pivotal role in elucidating the presence of drugs of abuse in both biological and solid samples, thereby aiding criminal investigations and public health initiatives. This review article explores the significance of sensor technologies in this field, focusing on diverse applications and their impact on the determination of drug abuse markers. This manuscript intends to review the transformative role of portable sensor technologies in detecting drugs of abuse in various samples. They offer precise, efficient, and real-time detection capabilities in both biological samples and solid substances. These sensors have become indispensable tools, with particular applications in various scenarios, including traffic stops, crime scenes, and workplace drug testing. The integration of portable sensor technologies in forensic toxicology is a remarkable advancement in the field. It has not only improved the speed and accuracy of drug abuse detection but has also extended the reach of forensic toxicology, making it more accessible and versatile. These advancements continue to shape forensic toxicology, ensuring swift, precise, and reliable results in criminal investigations and public health endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana M. Rosendo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mónica Antunes
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Y. Simão
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Brinca
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Catarro
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Pelixo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João Martinho
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Bruno Pires
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sofia Soares
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Francisco Cascalheira
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís Passarinha
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Chemistry Department, NOVA School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Tiago Rosado
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
- Centro Académico Clínico das Beiras (CACB)—Grupo de Problemas Relacionados com Toxicofilias, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mário Barroso
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses—Delegação do Sul, 1169-201 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
- Centro Académico Clínico das Beiras (CACB)—Grupo de Problemas Relacionados com Toxicofilias, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
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Keogh MJ, Thompson DP, Crouse JA. Tracking reproductive events: Hoof growth and steroid hormone concentrations in hair and hoof tissues in moose ( Alces alces). Conserv Physiol 2023; 11:coad097. [PMID: 38107464 PMCID: PMC10722880 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of reproductive and stress-related hormones in keratinous tissues (e.g. hair, claws, hooves, baleen) can provide a record of stress and reproductive response in wildlife. We evaluated a method to collect keratin tissue from hooves of immobilized moose (Alces alces) and validated enzyme immunoassays for measuring cortisol and progesterone in hooves and hair. We also measured the annual growth and wear rates of moose hooves. Progesterone (range: 1.0-43.7 pg/mg) and cortisol (range: 0.05-2.9 pg/mg) were measurable and showed variation among hoof samples and moose. Pregnant females had twice as high progesterone concentrations (18.00 ± 3.73 pg/mg) from hoof sample locations post breeding compared to non-pregnant moose (9.40 ± 0.25 pg/mg). Annual hoof growth differed between the front (5.58 ± 0.12 cm) and rear (4.73 ± 0.13 cm) hooves and varied by season with higher growth rates during summer which decreased into autumn and winter. Adult female hooves represented between 1.6 and 2.1 years of growth and included up to two reproductive cycles. We established a method to estimate hoof growth rate and applied this to postmortem samples and were able to detect previous pregnancies. Shoulder guard hairs grew between August and March including during late gestation; however, hair progesterone concentrations (range: 2-107.1 pg/mg) were not related to reproductive state. Hair cortisol concentrations in our study (range: 0.2-15.9 pg/mg) were within the range of values previously reported for cervids. Our study supports the use of hooves for longitudinal sampling and measuring reproductive and stress-related hormones, providing a new tool for tracking reproductive events and understanding what variables may contribute to population level changes in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy J Keogh
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 802 3rd St, Douglas, AK 99801, USA
| | - Daniel P Thompson
- Kenai Moose Research Center, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Road Suite B, Soldotna, AK 99669, USA
| | - John A Crouse
- Kenai Moose Research Center, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Road Suite B, Soldotna, AK 99669, USA
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Born A, Bocchi F, Kuhn C, Amstutz U, Baumgartner MR, Sidler D. Tacrolimus monitoring in hair samples of kidney transplant recipients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1307505. [PMID: 38111700 PMCID: PMC10726046 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1307505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Calcineurin inhibitors, including tacrolimus, remain a cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplantation. However, the therapeutic window is narrow, and nephrotoxic side effects occur with overdose, while the risk of alloimmunization and graft rejection increases with underdose. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) allows quantification of tacrolimus in biological samples from patients. This study investigates the feasibility of quantifying tacrolimus in scalp hair from kidney transplant (KT) recipients and correlates hair tacrolimus concentrations with tacrolimus dosage and blood trough levels. The aim was to provide proof-of-principle for hair tacrolimus drug monitoring in KT recipients. Method Single-center prospective study between September 9, 2021 and December 4, 2021, including KT recipients under tacrolimus. Minors, patients with active skin or hair diseases, and patients with scalp hair shorter than 4 cm were excluded from participation. Scalp hair was collected from the posterior vertex of patients, cut into segments, and analyzed for tacrolimus by LC-MS/MS. Patients filled out a questionnaire on hair treatments and washing habits. In parallel, tacrolimus trough levels were measured in whole blood and correlated with hair tacrolimus concentrations. Results In total, 39 consenting KT recipients were included, and hair samples were collected at 53 visits. Tacrolimus was detected in 98% of hair samples from patients exposed to the drug. Tacrolimus hair levels and whole blood trough levels were correlated with a beta coefficient of 0.42 (95% CI: -0.22-1.1, p = n.s.). Age and dark hair affected hair tacrolimus measurements, while different tacrolimus formulations (immediate release vs. extended release), hair washes, and permanent coloring did not. Longitudinal measurements in a subgroup of patients indicate that long-term measurement of hair tacrolimus levels is feasible. Conclusion Measuring tacrolimus in hair is a potentially reliable method to monitor drug exposure in KT patients. Rapid wash-in effects and consistent concentrations over time indicate that tacrolimus is incorporated into the hair matrix, allowing temporal resolution in the analysis of recent exposure and exposure history. This method provides a simple and low-risk alternative to regular blood sampling, sparing patients from frequent hospital visits through the self-collection of hair samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Born
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Federica Bocchi
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Kuhn
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ursula Amstutz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel Sidler
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Gadre A, Galaria N, Aguh C. Response to "Ethically conducting hair examinations among individuals with hijabs". J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 89:e275-e276. [PMID: 37558091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.07.1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Gadre
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Crystal Aguh
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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MI K, ZHANG W, WEN L, WANG J. [Rapid detection of four amphetamine-type drugs in hair by pulsed direct current electrospray mass spectrometry]. Se Pu 2023; 41:1141-1148. [PMID: 38093545 PMCID: PMC10719801 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1123.2023.04002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphetamine-type drugs are synthetic compounds with an amphetamine parent structure. These compounds cause addiction, central nervous system excitation, and hallucinations. The number of drug users worldwide has gradually increased because amphetamine-type drugs can be synthesized in a simple and artificial manner. The current methods for anti-drug screening and toxicant identification are limited by the large quantity and variety of the drug analytes and long detection times. Thus, the development of broad-spectrum, rapid, and high-throughput detection methods is an urgent necessity. In addition, conventional amphetamine-type drug test samples, such as blood and urine, are only suitable for short-term drug identification. Hair has the advantages of easy preservation, stability, and a long detection window, which can compensate for the deficiencies of body-fluid-based test materials. Hair samples can reflect long-term drug use, which is beneficial for tracing drug sources, and has become an important means of providing evidence in court. Because most laboratory instruments are unable to perform the rapid on-site detection of amphetamine-type drugs in hair, establishing a high-throughput, qualitative and quantitative rapid on-site detection method is necessary. In this study, pulsed direct current electrospray ionization (Pulsed-DC-ESI) coupled with mass spectrometry was used for the rapid detection of four amphetamine-type drugs (amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) in hair. Methanol was used as the extraction solvent, and the grinding method was used for extraction. The pretreatment process included cutting, grinding, and centrifugation. The pretreatment time for each sample was about 10 min. Multiple samples could be processed in batches, greatly improving the efficiency of analysis. Pulsed-DC-ESI is an ambient ionization technology that can be conducted via direct injection without chromatographic separation. The tip of the spray capillary tube was immersed 1 cm below the surface of the sample solution to allow absorption via the capillary effect. When the spray capillary tube contained 1 μL of the sample solution, detection was performed. Pulsed-DC-ESI generates an electrospray at the same frequency as the mass spectrum, thereby avoiding the problem of sample wastage, which often occurs in traditional ESI. The portable mass spectrometer used for analysis is a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. The parameters of Pulsed-DC-ESI, such as the inner diameter of spray capillary tip, spray voltage, and distance between electrode and solution, were optimized based on the mass spectral responses of the amphetamine-type drugs. The optimized ion source conditions included a inner diameter of spray capillary tip of 25 μm, spray voltage of 2 kV, and the distance between electrode and solution of 20 mm. The optimal sample solvent was methanol. The optimized method can achieve simultaneous detection of the four amphetamine-type drugs within 20 s. The linear ranges of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and the two other drugs were 1-25, 1-100, and 1-50 ng/mg, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification of the four drugs in hair were 0.1-0.2 and 1 ng/mg, respectively. All linear correlation coefficients were greater than 0.99, and the average spiked recoveries were 86.6%-114.7%. The intra-day precisions were 4.14%-7.34%, and the inter-day precisions were 3.71%-8.43%. The proposed method was used to screen 2000 samples provided by various testing institutions. A total of five samples were positive for methamphetamine, which is consistent with the results of conventional forensic identification methods. Thus, the developed method can be used for the rapid detection of amphetamine-type drugs.
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El-Dawy EGAEM, Gherbawy YA, Abd El-Sadek MS, Fouad W. Molecular identification of keratinophilic fungi associated with hair scalp and antifungal activity of green-synthesis zinc oxide nanoparticles. J Basic Microbiol 2023. [PMID: 38013254 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
A diverse population of fungi colonizes human hair and skin due to millions of years of functional integration and mutual adaptation. The human body, with its fungal communities, forms a complex entity. Microbial imbalance is promoted by instabilities in the host-mycobiota interaction system, which can be related to the development of various diseases. By morphological and molecular identification, 15 genera comprising 24 species were isolated from 18 scalp samples collected from girls. Yeast-like structures were the most common species in this study; they were recovered from six samples (33.3%). They were represented by five species: Arachniotus ruber; Cosmospora aurantiicola; Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum; Geotrichum candidum and Suhomyces tanzawaensis. For the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), an aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale was utilized as a reducing and capping agent. The prepared NPs tested by X-ray diffraction, they had a hexagonal wurtzite structure. Most of the ZnO NPs were spherical, and their diameter was about 38.9 nm using a transmission electron microscope. ZnO NPs of the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra were recorded in the range of 400-4000 cm-1 . UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed the 200-800 nm wavelength range. ZnO NPs showed the highest activity against Ambrosiella hartigii Ambh2; Cladosporium cladosporioides Cladcl12; C. cf. cucumerinum Cladcu13; S. tanzawaensis Suht34, with minimal inhibitory concentrations 1.25 × 103 µg/mL on the four isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Gamal Abd Elnaser M El-Dawy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Center, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Youssuf A Gherbawy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Center, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud S Abd El-Sadek
- Nanomaterials Lab, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Galala University, Suez, Egypt
| | - Walaa Fouad
- Nanomaterials Lab, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
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Statnik ES, Cvjetinovic J, Ignatyev SD, Wassouf L, Salimon AI, Korsunsky AM. Hair-Reinforced Elastomer Matrix Composites: Formulation, Mechanical Testing, and Advanced Microstructural Characterization. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4448. [PMID: 38006172 PMCID: PMC10675470 DOI: 10.3390/polym15224448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Epoxy matrix composites reinforced with high-performance fibers, such as carbon, Kevlar, and glass, exhibit excellent specific stiffness and strength in many mechanical applications. However, these composites are disappointingly non-recyclable and are usually disposed of in landfill sites, with no realistic prospect for biodegradation in a reasonable time. In contrast, moldable composites with carbonized elastomeric matrices developed in the last decades possess attractive mechanical properties in final net-shape products and can also be incinerated or recycled. Many carbon and inorganic fillers have recently been evaluated to adjust the properties of carbonized elastomeric composites. Renewable organic fillers, such as human or animal hair, offer an attractive fibrous material with substantial potential for reinforcing composites with elastomeric matrices. Samples of unidirectional fiber composites (with hair volume fractions up to 7%) and quasi-isotropic short fiber composites (with hair volume fractions up to 20%) of human hair-reinforced nitrile butadiene rubbers (HH-NBRs) were produced in the peroxide-cured and carbonized states. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and photoacoustic microscopy. Mechanical tests were performed under tension using a miniature universal testing machine. The expected effect of fiber reinforcement on the overall mechanical performance was demonstrated for both cured and carbonized composites. Considerable enhancement of the elastic modulus (up to ten times), ultimate tensile strength (up to three times), and damage tolerance was achieved. The evidence of satisfactory interfacial bonding between hair and rubber was confirmed via SEM imaging of fracture surfaces. The suitability of photoacoustic microscopy was assessed for 3D reconstructions of the fiber sub-system's spatial distribution and non-destructive testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Loujain Wassouf
- Department of Physical Chemistry, NUST MISIS, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alexander M. Korsunsky
- «LUCh» Lab, NUST MISIS, 119049 Moscow, Russia
- Trinity College, University of Oxford, Broad St., Oxford OX1 3BH, UK
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38
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Luo G, Gong R, Ai Y, Zhu T, Ren Z. Identification of N6-Methyladenosine-Related Factors and the Prediction of the Regulatory Mechanism of Hair Follicle Development in Rex and Hycole Rabbits. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:1448. [PMID: 37998047 PMCID: PMC10669094 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Hair follicle development directly affects the development of the rabbit fur industry. The growth and development of a hair follicle is modified and regulated by many genes and mechanisms. M6A is an important RNA modification. However, there are few studies on the effects of the regulation of m6A on hair follicle growth and development. In this study, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to explore the difference in hair follicle development between Rex rabbits and Hycole rabbits, and we performed m6A sequencing to identify the key genes with m6A modification in hair follicle growth. The results showed that the hair length, coarse hair percentage, primary hair follicle ratio, and skin thickness of Hycole rabbits were significantly higher than those of Rex rabbits. However, the proportion of secondary hair follicles in Hycole rabbits was significantly lower than that in Rex rabbits. In addition, we found five differential methylases, 20 differential genes, and 24 differential signaling pathways related to hair growth and development. The results of the Sankey diagram showed that 12 genes were related to 13 signal pathways. Finally, we found that five methylases regulated the development of hair follicles through differential genes/signal pathways. These findings laid a molecular foundation for the function of m6A modification in hair development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.L.); (R.G.); (Y.A.); (T.Z.)
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350000, China
| | - Ruiguang Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.L.); (R.G.); (Y.A.); (T.Z.)
| | - Yaotian Ai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.L.); (R.G.); (Y.A.); (T.Z.)
| | - Tongyan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.L.); (R.G.); (Y.A.); (T.Z.)
| | - Zhanjun Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.L.); (R.G.); (Y.A.); (T.Z.)
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Albucker SJ, Falotico JM, Lipner SR. Off With Their Heads: A Cross-Sectional Study of 100 Hair and Scalp Trauma Scenes in Films and Television Series. J Cutan Med Surg 2023; 27:646-647. [PMID: 37593981 DOI: 10.1177/12034754231194018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julianne M Falotico
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Shari R Lipner
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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40
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Ball KJ, Muse BW, Cook B, Quinn AP, Brooks BD. Hell's Itch: A Unique Reaction to UV Exposure. JMIR Dermatol 2023; 6:e48669. [PMID: 37874633 PMCID: PMC10630859 DOI: 10.2196/48669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a survey-based exploration of Hell's Itch, a severe dermatologic reaction often mistaken for sunburn, that reveals distinct symptoms including intense pain, unrelenting itching, paresthesia, and even suicidal ideation, differentiating it from a typical sunburn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelin J Ball
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT, United States
| | - Brandon W Muse
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT, United States
| | - Bailey Cook
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT, United States
| | - Alyssa P Quinn
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT, United States
| | - Benjamin D Brooks
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT, United States
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41
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Toh EQ, Wang ECE. Targeted immunotherapy for hair regrowth and regeneration. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1285452. [PMID: 37881630 PMCID: PMC10595013 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1285452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- En Qi Toh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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42
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Stolecka‐Warzecha A, Wilczyński S, Bożek M, Libionka S, Chmielewski Ł. Assessment of the photoprotection properties of hair cosmetics using the hemispherical directional reflectance method. Skin Res Technol 2023; 29:e13443. [PMID: 37881048 PMCID: PMC10577393 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solar radiation is responsible for changes in the structure of human hair, the damages include proteins (65%-95%), lipids, and melanin. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of sunscreen in hair cosmetics and whether hair color affects it. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included nine women, divided according to hair color to three groups: light, dark, and gray hair. The 410-Solar reflectometer was used in five time points. The hair was divided into three strands, one product applied to each. RESULTS Dark hair showed the highest absorption of radiation in all wavelength ranges, the reflectance before products application was significantly higher than the hair reflectance immediately after application. The effect of sunscreens on light hair reflectance was found at wavelengths 400 and 720 nm and between 1000 and 2500 nm, the reflectance before application was significantly higher than the reflectance after. The use of products on gray hair did not have a significant effect on hair reflectance at wavelengths 400-1100 nm, the effect of sunscreens on the gray hair reflectance was observed in the UV and infrared range, the reflectance before application was significantly higher than immediately after. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the 410-Solar reflectometer is useful to assess the effectiveness of hair sunscreens. All three tested hair products do not show the expected protection properties. Dark hair showed the highest absorption of radiation in all wavelength ranges, suggesting that dark hair should be more protected against radiation than light and gray hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stolecka‐Warzecha
- Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesMedical University of Silesia in KatowiceSosnowiecPoland
| | - Sławomir Wilczyński
- Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesMedical University of Silesia in KatowiceSosnowiecPoland
| | - Małgorzata Bożek
- Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesMedical University of Silesia in KatowiceSosnowiecPoland
| | - Sylwia Libionka
- Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesMedical University of Silesia in KatowiceSosnowiecPoland
| | - Łukasz Chmielewski
- Department of Motion Organ Reconstruction SurgeryProvincial Specialist Hospital MegrezTychyPoland
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Bădescu I, Curteanu C, Sellen DW, Watts DP, Katzenberg MA. Investigating infant feeding development in wild chimpanzees using stable isotopes of naturally shed hair. Am J Primatol 2023:e23552. [PMID: 37779353 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Measuring the relative contributions of milk and non-milk foods in the diets of primate infants is difficult from observations. Stable carbon (δ13 C) and nitrogen (δ15 N) isotopes in hair can be used to physiologically track infant feeding through development, but few wild studies have done so, likely due to the difficulty in collecting hair non-invasively. We assessed infant feeding at different ages in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) at Ngogo, Uganda using δ13 C and δ15 N of keratin in 164 naturally shed hairs from 29 infants (61 hairs), 6 juveniles (7 hairs), 28 mothers (67 hairs) and 14 adult males (29 hairs). Hairs were collected when they stuck to feces during defecation or from the ground after chimpanzees groomed or rested. We could not distinguish between the hairs of infants and mothers using strand length and diameter. Infants 1-2 years old were most enriched in 13 C and 15 N and showed means of 1.1‰ in δ13 C and 2.1‰ in δ15 N above their mothers. Infants at 2 years had hair δ13 C values like those of their mothers, which suggests infants began relying more heavily on plants around this age. While mother-infant δ13 C and δ15 N differences generally decreased with offspring age, as is expected when infants rely increasingly more on independent foraging through development, milk seemed to remain an important dietary component for infants older than 2.5 years, as evidenced by continuing elevated δ15 N. We showed that stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in naturally shed hairs can feasibly detect trophic level differences between chimpanzee infants and mothers. Since it can mitigate some of the limitations associated with behavioral and fecal stable isotope data, the use of hair stable isotopes is a useful, non-invasive tool for assessing infant feeding development in wild primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Bădescu
- Département d'anthropologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cassandra Curteanu
- Département d'anthropologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel W Sellen
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David P Watts
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - M Anne Katzenberg
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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van Houtert EAE, Endenburg N, Vermetten E, Rodenburg TB. Hair Cortisol in Service Dogs for Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Compared to Companion Dogs ( Canis Familiaris). J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:623-633. [PMID: 35120413 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2033119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Service dogs are trained to assist humans. This assistance potentially exposes them to stressors To investigate if service dogs are exposed to more stressors than companion dogs we questioned whether hair cortisol levels differed between both groups. We studied this by cutting a tuft of hair from the neck of 19 companion and 11 service dogs. Cortisol levels were subsequently analyzed via immunoassay and compared via a simple linear regression model. The influence of coat color, season, sex, other dogs, pets, or mental health diagnoses in the household was also checked . Results showed that cortisol values did not differ between service and companion dogs. Furthermore, none of the additional variables had an influence on cortisol levels. This lead to the conclusion that the service dogs in this study did not have higher hair cortisol levels than companion dogs Further study should be conducted as to why no difference did occur between groups and if this difference is persistent over time given that we only studied a period of up to two months' worth of hair cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmy A E van Houtert
- Animal in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Endenburg
- Animal in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Animal in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of MGGZ, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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45
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Cohen PR. Tomato Plant-Associated Xanthoderma: Case Report and Review of Exogenous Causes of Yellow Skin. Cureus 2023; 15:e47218. [PMID: 38021483 PMCID: PMC10652160 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin, hair, and nails can all present with yellow discoloration secondary to exogenous etiologies. Xanthoderma, yellow discoloration of the skin, can occur not only from exogenous sources secondary to topical contact with various substances but also from endogenous causes such as diseases from the liver and kidney, or oral medications. A 64-year-old man developed asymptomatic, yellow staining of his distal left forearm, hand, and fingertips. He was not receiving antimalarials, did not have hepatic or renal dysfunction, and had not applied any sunless tanning solutions to his skin. Prior to the appearance of his xanthoderma, he had been tending to a tomato plant in his yard; the yellow staining appeared on the areas of his left upper extremity that had contacted the stems and leaves of the tomato plant. Within two days, the yellow skin discoloration resolved spontaneously after several washings of the affected areas with soap and water. Tomato plants have trichomes that appear as hair-like structures on the stems and produce an oily substance; the trichomes not only produce the scent of the plant, but also provide protection from cold, drought, disease, and pests. Initially, when the oily substance contacts the skin, the skin appears yellow; subsequently, the skin may become black. The skin that has been stained by a tomato plant is referred to as "tomato skin" (TOMASK). In addition to reviewing the etiology of exogenous xanthoderma, this paper also summarizes the causes of exogenous yellow hair and yellow nails. Exogenous yellowing of the skin can result from various topical causes. Common topical etiologies of xanthoderma include not only contact with tomato plants, but also sunless tanning solutions (that contain dihydroxyacetone) and tobacco (that not only causes yellow staining of the white hair on men's upper lip referred to as "smoker's mustache", but also yellow staining of the nail plate and fingertips used to hold the cigarette or cigar). In summary, tomato plant-associated xanthoderma is a benign exogenous etiology of yellow staining of the skin which eventually resolves after several washings of the affected sites with soap and water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip R Cohen
- Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, USA
- Dermatology, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, USA
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Surbek M, Sukseree S, Eckhart L. Iron Metabolism of the Skin: Recycling versus Release. Metabolites 2023; 13:1005. [PMID: 37755285 PMCID: PMC10534741 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13091005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin protects the body against exogenous stressors. Its function is partially achieved by the permanent regeneration of the epidermis, which requires high metabolic activity and the shedding of superficial cells, leading to the loss of metabolites. Iron is involved in a plethora of important epidermal processes, including cellular respiration and detoxification of xenobiotics. Likewise, microorganisms on the surface of the skin depend on iron, which is supplied by the turnover of epithelial cells. Here, we review the metabolism of iron in the skin with a particular focus on the fate of iron in epidermal keratinocytes. The iron metabolism of the epidermis is controlled by genes that are differentially expressed in the inner and outer layers of the epidermis, establishing a system that supports the recycling of iron and counteracts the release of iron from the skin surface. Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), ferroportin (SLC40A1) and hephaestin-like 1 (HEPHL1) are constitutively expressed in terminally differentiated keratinocytes and allow the recycling of iron from heme prior to the cornification of keratinocytes. We discuss the evidence for changes in the epidermal iron metabolism in diseases and explore promising topics of future studies of iron-dependent processes in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (S.S.)
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Almuhanna N, Alhamazani R, Alkhezzi S, Alfataih MT, Dakhil AB, Alhamazani YS, Alhomida FA. Successful treatment of dissecting cellulitis with certolizumab pegol in a pregnant patient. JAAD Case Rep 2023; 39:1-2. [PMID: 37554361 PMCID: PMC10404596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nouf Almuhanna
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St
| | - Rasha Alhamazani
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St
| | - Sarah Alkhezzi
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St
| | - Mahdi T. Alfataih
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St
| | - Alhanouf Bin Dakhil
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St
| | | | - Faris A. Alhomida
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahad Medical City, Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St
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Anderson AR, Mahajan I, Ford JL, Wright KD, Mackos AR, Rose KM, Monroe TB, Moss KO. Dyadic Hair Cortisol Self-Collection Procedure. Nurs Res 2023; 72:404-408. [PMID: 37625184 PMCID: PMC10463209 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At-home self-collection of specimens has become more commonplace because of measures taken in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Self-collection of hair cortisol is important because chronic stress is present in many populations, such as older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregivers. For the evaluation of chronic stress, scalp hair can be used as a predictive biomarker because it examines the cumulative, retrospective stress from previous months. OBJECTIVES The aim of the paper is to provide a study procedure for at-home, scalp hair self-collection for cortisol concentration analysis from dyads consisting of a person living with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregiver. METHODS After informed electronic consent is obtained, a package containing the necessary tools for self-collection of hair samples from the dyad is mailed to the participant's home. Participants are provided detailed print and video multimedia guides outlining how to obtain the hair samples. Ideally, the hair samples are obtained during the virtual data collection meeting with research personnel. Participants mail back the hair sample in a prepaid package to the biomedical laboratory for analysis. DISCUSSION At-home, self-collection of hair provides potential advantages such as reduced participant burden, especially for vulnerable populations where transportation and different environments are challenging. At-home sample collection options may increase research participation and can be applied to multiple research foci. Research considerations for dyads, such as people living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, are discussed.
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Gupta AK, Wang T, Rapaport JA. Systematic review of exosome treatment in hair restoration: Preliminary evidence, safety, and future directions. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:2424-2433. [PMID: 37381168 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles with potential roles in modulating the hair growth cycle and are an emerging therapy for patients with alopecia. In recent years, researchers have made significant progress in deciphering the network of cellular interactions and signaling pathways mediated by the transfer of exosomes. This has opened the door to a wide range of potential therapeutic applications with an increasing focus on its application in precision medicine. AIM To evaluate current published evidence, both preclinical and clinical, on the use of exosomes for hair restoration. METHODS In January 2023, a systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Records were identified, screened, and assessed for eligibility as per the PRISMA guideline. RESULTS We identified 16 studies (15 preclinical and 1 clinical) showing varying degrees of efficacy using exosomes derived from sources including adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Applications of exosomes isolated from ADSCs (ADSC-Exo) and DPCs have shown early promising results in preclinical studies corroborated by results obtained from different model systems. Topical ADSC-Exo has been tried successfully in 39 androgenetic alopecia patients demonstrating significant increases in hair density and thickness. No significant adverse reactions associated with exosome treatment have been reported thus far. CONCLUSIONS Although current clinical evidence supporting the use of exosome treatment is limited, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting its therapeutic potential. Further studies are warranted to define its mechanism of action, optimize its delivery and efficacy, and to address important safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tong Wang
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
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García-Caballero C, Martínez-González MA. Children victims of drug abuser parents: Hair testing as a forensic tool to assess exposure-A cohort of 37 cases from Spain. Drug Test Anal 2023; 15:941-952. [PMID: 37041115 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Hair testing is a useful tool to investigate suspected pediatric exposure to drugs of abuse. Newborns and young children are at high risk of exposure to drugs of abuse from parents or caregivers who consumed these substances, a fact prosecuted by Spanish authorities as child abuse. A retrospective study based on a cohort of 37 cases classified using several parameters, which involve children under 12 years old, were analyzed at the Drugs Laboratory of the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (Madrid, Spain) between 2009 and 2021. Hair samples were tested for the presence of opiates, cocaine, ketamine, amphetamines, methadone, and cannabis using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. A 59% of the studied children had ages in the range of 1-3 years old, and in 81% of cases, victims required hospitalization. In 81% of cases (n = 30), hair was submitted only or in combination with other samples, and these were classified in four categories according to analyzed samples: A (only hair), B (hair and blood), C (hair and urine), and D (hair, blood, and urine). The 93.3% of these cases (n = 28) showed a positive result of cannabinoids (THC and CBN in hair and THC-COOH in urine; 71.4% n = 20), cocaine and metabolites (benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene; 46.4% n = 13), opiates (morphine and 6-acetylmorphine), and amphetamines (MDMA and MDMA; 3.10% n = 1). Hair analysis matched positive results in cases where urine screening test was carried out previously (n = 24) and in those cases where blood and/or urine were also submitted (35.6% n = 11). As a conclusion, hair analysis was confirmed as a useful tool to detect previous exposure to acute poisoning events in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos García-Caballero
- Drugs Department, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Justice Ministry, Madrid, Spain
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