Search Results (829)

Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a common analytical technique used for identifying and quantifying drugs of abuse, as well as their metabolites, extracted from biological samples. Depending on the properties of the analyzed compounds, particularly in the case of metabolites, derivatization is often necessary. In this article, we will address the definition, properties, sample preparation, and GC-MS analysis of the most common drugs of abuse in their native (seized) form and their metabolites in biological samples (urine, blood, hair, and tissue). Drugs that will be described are: amphetamines and their derivatives, cannabinoids, cocaine, opioids, lysergide (LSD), benzodiazepines, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), phencyclidine (PCP), mescaline, psilocin, and psilocybin. The literature review showed that the analysis of the drugs of abuse requires a simple extraction procedure and analysis with or without derivatization. However, the analysis of the metabolites requires removing the interferences from the matrix (proteins, other compounds, water, and other species that may interfere with the analysis or contaminate the GC-MS). This review article will provide insights into the available procedures for sample preparation and analytical methods, helping authors gain the necessary information and select the desired procedure for analysis. Full article

This article describes a new software architecture for the non-invasive detection of canine leishmaniasis disease. The proposed platform combines gas-sensing technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and modular cloud-based software components to identify disease-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in dog breath and hair samples. The system, which has a multi-tier architecture that includes data collection, pre-processing, machine learning-based analysis, diagnosis-request processing, and user interfaces for veterinarians, faculty researchers, and dog owners, has been integrated into a Li-ion Power website plug-in. The primary goal of implementing the proposed platform is to detect parasites at any point they are infectious to a host. This includes detecting parasites at all stages of their life cycle, where they can infect a new host. In addition, this is crucial for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventing further transmission. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate sociodemographic factors, features of the acute infection, and post-infection health status in survivors of COVID-19, assessing their association with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). Methods: A multidisciplinary public clinic in Brazil assessed COVID-19 survivors between June 2020 and February 2022. Patients were classified as having PACS or subacute infection (SI). Data on the history of the acute infection, current symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory findings were collected and analyzed using multivariate models with PACS as the outcome. Results: Among the 113 participants, 63.71% were diagnosed with PACS at a median of 130 days (IQR: 53–196) following acute symptom onset. Admission to the intensive care unit was more frequent among individuals with PACS than those with SI (83.3% vs. 65.0% respectively; p = 0.037). Symptoms significantly more prevalent in the PACS group when compared to the SI cohort included hair loss (44.4% vs. 17.1% respectively; p = 0.004), lower limb paresthesia (34.7% vs. 9.8% respectively; p = 0.003), and slow thinking speed (28.2% vs. 0.0% respectively; p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that only the time interval between the onset of acute symptoms and the clinical evaluation was independently associated with a PACS diagnosis (β = 0.057; 95% CI: 1.03–1.08; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with PACS had a higher frequency of intensive care unit admission compared to those with subacute infection. However, in the multivariate analysis, the severity of the acute infection did not predict the final diagnosis of PACS, which was associated only with the time elapsed since symptom onset. Full article

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common progressive hair loss disorder driven by elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, leading to follicular miniaturization. This study investigated sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract (BSE) as a potential oral therapy for AGA. BSE exhibited dose-dependent proliferative and migratory effects on keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and dermal papilla cells, showing greater in vitro activity than sulforaphane (SFN) and minoxidil under the tested conditions, while maintaining low cytotoxicity. In a testosterone-induced AGA mouse model, oral BSE significantly accelerated hair regrowth, with 20 mg/kg achieving 99% recovery by day 15, alongside increased follicle length, density, and hair weight. Mechanistically, BSE upregulated hepatic and dermal DHT-metabolizing enzymes (Akr1c21, Dhrs9) and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the skin, suggesting dual actions via androgen metabolism modulation and follicular regeneration. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed prolonged SFN plasma exposure following BSE administration, and in silico docking showed strong binding affinities of key BSE constituents to Akr1c2 and β-catenin. No systemic toxicity was observed in liver histology. These findings indicate that BSE may serve as a safe, effective, and multitargeted natural therapy for AGA. Further clinical studies are needed to validate its efficacy in human populations. Full article

Wool has distinctive biological, physical, and chemical properties that contribute to its value both for the sheep and in global fibre and textile markets. Its fibres are primarily composed of proteins, principally keratin and keratin-associated proteins (KAPs). To better comprehend the genes that underpin key wool traits, this study examined the keratin-associated protein 36-1 gene (KRTAP36-1) in Chinese Tan lambs. We identified three previously reported alleles of the gene (named A, B and C) that were present in the lambs studied, with genotype frequencies as follows: 2.0% (n = 5; AA), 6.9% (n = 17; AB), 13.8% (n = 34; AC), 8.9% (n = 22; BB), 33.4% (n = 82; BC) and 35.0% (n = 86; CC). The frequencies of the individual alleles in the Chinese Tan lambs were 12.4%, 29.1% and 58.5% for alleles A, B and C, respectively. The three alleles were in Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium. In an association analysis, it was revealed that allele C was associated with variation in the mean fibre curvature of the fine wool of the Chinese Tan lambs, but this association was not observed in their heterotypic hair fibres. This finding suggests that KRTAP36-1 might be differentially expressed in the wool follicles that produce the two fibre types, and that along with other KRTAP genes, it may be involved in determining fibre curvature and the distinctive curly coat of the lambs. Full article

Water treadmill (WT) exercise is used for horses’ rehabilitation and training. Given that each training needs to be individualized for each horse, the goal is to assess whether infrared thermography (IRT) can serve as a non-invasive tool for daily monitoring of individual training and rehabilitation progress in horses undergoing WT exercise. Fifteen Polish Warmblood school horses were subjected to five WT sessions: dry treadmill, fetlock-depth water, fetlock-depth water with artificial river (AR), carpal-depth water, and carpal-depth water with AR. IRT images, collected pre- and post-exercise, were analyzed for the mean temperature (Tmean) and maximal temperature (Tmax) across 14 regions of interest (ROIs) representing the body surface overlying specific superficial muscles. While on a dry treadmill, Tmean and Tmax increased post-exercise in all ROIs; wetting of the hair coat limited surface temperature analysis in ROIs annotated on limbs. Tmax over the m. brachiocephalicus, m. trapezius pars cervicalis, m. triceps brachii, and m. semitendinosus increased during walking in carpal-depth water, which therefore may be suggested as an indirect indicator of increased activity related to forelimb protraction and flexion–extension of the limb joints. Tmax over the m. latissimus dorsi and m. longissimus increased during carpal-depth WT exercise with active AR mode, which may be suggested as an indicator of increased workload including vertical displacement of the trunk. Full article

Plasma-activated water (PAW), enriched with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), presents oxidative and antimicrobial characteristics with potential in cosmetic applications. This study examined the effects of two PAW formulations—nitrate-rich (PAW-N) and peroxide-rich (PAW-P)—on human hair types classified as straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), and coily/kinky (Type 4). The impact of PAW on hair structure and chemistry was evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and physicochemical analyses of the liquids (pH, ORP, conductivity, and TDS). PAW-N, with high nitrate content (~500 mg/L), low pH (2.15), and elevated conductivity (6244 µS/cm), induced significant damage to porous hair types, including disulfide bond cleavage, protein oxidation, and lipid degradation, as indicated by FTIR and EDS data. SEM confirmed severe cuticle disruption. In contrast, PAW-P, containing >25 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide and exhibiting milder acidity and lower ionic strength, caused more localized and controlled oxidation with minimal morphological damage. Straight hair showed greater resistance to both treatments, while coily and wavy hair were more susceptible, particularly to PAW-N. These findings suggest that the formulation and ionic profile of PAW should be matched to hair porosity for safe oxidative treatments, supporting the use of PAW-P as a gentler alternative in hair care technologies. Full article

Pilomatricomas are benign tumors originating from hair follicle matrix cells and represent the most common skin tumors in pediatric patients. Pilomatricomas may be associated with genetic syndromes such as myotonic dystrophy, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Turner syndrome, Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome, Kabuki syndrome, and Sotos syndrome. This study reviews the literature on pilomatricomas occurring in syndromic contexts and presents a novel case linked to Apert syndrome. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases, focusing on case reports, case series, and reviews describing pilomatricomas associated with syndromes. A total of 1272 articles were initially screened; after removing duplicates and excluding articles without syndromic diagnoses or lacking sufficient data, 81 full-text articles were reviewed. Overall, 96 cases of pilomatricomas associated with genetic syndromes were identified. Reports of patients with Apert syndrome who do not develop pilomatricomas are absent in the literature. Pilomatricomas predominantly affect pediatric patients, with a slight female predominance, and are often the first manifestation of underlying genetic syndromes. Our study highlights previously unreported associations of pilomatricoma with Apert syndrome, providing molecular insights. This study contributes to understanding the clinical and molecular features of pilomatricomas in syndromic contexts and underscores the importance of genetic analysis for accurate diagnosis and management. Full article

Heavy metals are a major toxicological concern due to their adverse effects on human health, particularly in children exposed to contaminated areas. This study evaluated biomarkers of exposure in 253 children aged 6 to 12 from Magangue, Achi, and Arjona (Bolivar, Colombia), analyzing their relationship with neurotoxicity and hematological markers. The mean Pb concentrations at the study sites were 1.98 µg/g (Magangue) > 1.51 µg/g (Achi) > 1.24 µg/g (Arjona). A similar pattern was observed for Cd concentrations for Magangue (0.39 µg/g) > Achi (0.36 µg/g) > Arjona (0.14 µg/g). In contrast, Se concentrations followed a different trend for Arjona (0.29 µg/g) > Magangue (0.21 µg/g) > Achi (0.16 µg/g). The proportion of Se/Pb molar ratios > 1 was higher in Arjona (3.8%) than in Magangue (0.9%) and Achi (2.0%). For Se/Cd ratios, values > 1 were also more frequent in Arjona (70.7%), exceeding 20% in the other two locations. Significant differences were found among locations in red and white blood cell parameters and platelet indices. Neurotransmitter-related biomarkers, including serotonin, monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), and acetylcholinesterase levels, also varied by location. Principal component analysis showed that Pb and Cd had high loadings on the same component as PLT, WBC, and RDW, and while Se loaded together with HGB, PDW, MCHC, MCH, and MCV, suggesting distinct hematological patterns associated with each element. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association between hair Pb levels and serotonin concentrations. Although MAO-A and Cd showed negative β coefficients, these associations were not statistically significant after adjustment. These findings highlight the potential impact of toxic element exposure on key hematological and neurochemical parameters in children, suggesting early biological alterations that may compromise health and neurodevelopment. Full article

Research results suggest the potential of topical adenosine as a hair-promoting agent. The aim of this study was to examine the available clinical evidence of the efficacy of topical adenosine products in hair loss. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and PICO guidelines and included articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The strength of evidence was assessed according to the GRADE system. Wherever feasible, data were extracted for a meta-analysis. Among 8625 articles returned by the query, 7 clinical trials were identified of topical adenosine (lotion, shampoo) in hair loss. They unanimously reported on a reduction in hair loss and increase in hair density (strength of evidence very low to moderate). A meta-analysis of three eligible trials showed a tendency to increased hair density (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.89–1.20, p = 0.68), an increase in thick hair (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 0.82–2.38, p = 0.21) and a decrease in thin hairs (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.61–1.43, p = 0.75) after 6 months of alopecia treatment with a 0.75% adenosine lotion. The results from clinical trials published until now suggest that topical adenosine increases hair thickness, reduces excessive hair loss, stimulates hair regrowth, and increases hair density. The overall strength of evidence remains low due to flawed design and small sample sizes in most trials. Nevertheless, topical adenosine products seem worth trying, especially in the case of contraindications or adverse effects to approved medicinal products for hair loss. Further, better designed trials of adenosine in hair loss are warranted. Full article

In recent decades, there has been a marked surge in the development of marine-by-product-derived ingredients for cosmetic applications, driven by the increasing demand for natural, sustainable, and high-performance formulations. Marine animal by-products, particularly those from fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, represent an abundant yet underutilized source of bioactive compounds with notable potential in cosmeceutical innovation. Generated as waste from the fishery and seafood-processing industries, these materials are rich in valuable bioactives, such as chitosan, collagen, peptides, amino acids, fatty acids, polar lipids, lipid-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, pigments, phenolics, and mineral-based substrates like hydroxyapatite. Marine by-product bioactives can be isolated via several extraction methods, and most importantly, green ones. These compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of skin-health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-wrinkle, anti-hyperpigmentation, and wound-healing properties. Moreover, applications extend beyond skincare to include hair, nail, and oral care. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of bioactives obtained from marine mollusks, crustaceans, and fish by-products, emphasizing modern extraction technologies with a focus on green and sustainable approaches. It further explores their mechanisms of action and documented efficacy in cosmetic formulations. Finally, the review outlines current limitations and offers future perspectives for the industrial valorization of marine by-products in functional and environmentally-conscious cosmetic development. Full article

Background and Aims: The majority of individuals with COVID-19 developed acute symptoms. Post-COVID-19 syndrome refers to the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that persist for more than 12 weeks. The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for post-COVID-19 syndrome in the Omani population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted at the University Hospital Center (UHC). All patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (through polymerase chain reaction PCR testing) between March 2020 and March 2022 were included. Eligible participants were interviewed through a phone call, informed about the study procedure, and invited to participate in the study. Results: The study enrolled 265 COVID-19 patients, of whom 156 (59.2%) were females and 204 (77.3%) had been vaccinated. The overall prevalence of post-COVID-19 syndrome was 48.5%. The most common symptom was fatigue (71, 26.9%), followed by joint pain (44, 16.7%). The other symptoms included loss of taste/smell (34, 12.9%), cough (32, 12.1%), palpitation (25, 9.5%), and hair loss (27, 10.2%). Unvaccinated patients showed a higher incidence of fatigue (p = 0.03) and loss of smell/taste (p = 0.01) on univariate analysis. Females were at high risk for the development of various symptoms, including fatigue, muscular pain, breathing difficulty, cough, chest pain, palpitation, headache, and hair loss. Multivariate analysis showed that female gender is a significant independent predictor (odds ratio: 3.1; p = 0.00) for the development of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Conclusions: The prevalence of post-COVID-19 syndrome among the Omani population was high, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to manage long-term symptoms in vulnerable groups. Full article

(1) Background: As society progresses, increasing numbers of individuals are experiencing hair loss, which can be attributed to factors such as unhealthy diets, insufficient sleep, stress, and hormonal imbalances. Currently available pharmacological treatments for hair loss often cause undesirable side effects, highlighting the urgent need to explore safer and more effective agents to promote hair restoration. This study investigated the role of recombinant human type XVII collagen derived from the α1 chain (rhCOL17A1) in facilitating hair growth and restoration. (2) Methods: We analyzed the impact of rhCOL17A1 on the mRNA expression of several growth factors, as well as Bcl-2 and Bax, at the cellular level. Moreover, the effects of rhCOL17A1 on the expression of key proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)/GLI signaling pathways were examined by Western blotting (WB). At the organismal level, we established a model in C57BL/6 mice through chronic subcutaneous administration of 5% testosterone propionate. We subsequently assessed the effect of rhCOL17A1 on hair regrowth via histological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence staining. (3) Results: rhCOL17A1 contributes to the resistance of hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) to apoptosis. rhCOL17A1 activates the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways, and increases the expression of type XVII collagen (COLXVII), thereby creating a favorable environment for hair growth. Furthermore, rhCOL17A1 exerts a significant growth-promoting effect at the animal level. (4) Conclusions: rhCOL17 promotes hair growth by activating the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways and upregulating COLXVII expression. Full article

Hair, as a non-invasive biospecimen, retains metabolic deposits from sebaceous glands and capillaries, reflecting substances from the peripheral circulation, and provides valuable biochemical information linked to phenotypes, yet its application in animal disease research remains limited. This work applied ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to compare the hair metabolomic characteristics of healthy forest musk deer (FMD, Moschus berezovskii) and those diagnosed with hemorrhagic pneumonia (HP), phytobezoar disease (PD), and abscess disease (AD). A total of 2119 metabolites were identified in the FMD hair samples, comprising 1084 metabolites in positive ion mode and 1035 metabolites in negative ion mode. Differential compounds analysis was conducted utilizing the orthogonal partial least squares–discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model. In comparison to the healthy control group, the HP group displayed 85 upregulated and 92 downregulated metabolites, the PD group presented 124 upregulated and 106 downregulated metabolites, and the AD group exhibited 63 upregulated and 62 downregulated metabolites. Functional annotation using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) indicated that the differential metabolites exhibited significant enrichment in pathways associated with cancer, parasitism, energy metabolism, and stress. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that both the individual and combined panels of differential metabolites exhibited area under the curve (AUC) values exceeding 0.7, demonstrating good sample discrimination capability. This research indicates that hair metabolomics can yield diverse biochemical insights and facilitate the development of non-invasive early diagnostic techniques for diseases in captive FMD. Full article

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are critical in clinical use for treating severe infections, but they can occasionally cause irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. To establish a rational pathway for otoprotectant discovery, we provide an integrated, three-tier methodology—comprising cell-model selection, transcriptomic analysis, and a gentamicin–Texas Red (GTTR) uptake assay—to guide the development of otoprotective strategies. We first utilized two murine auditory cell lines—UB/OC-2 and HEI-OC1. We focused on TMC1 and OCT2 and further explored the underlying mechanisms of ototoxicity. UB/OC-2 exhibited a higher sensitivity to gentamicin, which correlated with elevated OCT2 expression confirmed via RT-PCR and Western blot. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of PI3K-Akt, calcium, and GPCR-related stress pathways in gentamicin-treated HEI-OC1 cells. Protein-level analysis further confirmed that gentamicin suppressed phosphorylated Akt while upregulating ER stress markers (GRP78, CHOP) and apoptotic proteins (cleaved caspase 3, PARP). Co-treatment with PI3K inhibitors (LY294002, wortmannin) further suppressed Akt phosphorylation, supporting the role of PI3K-Akt signaling in auditory cells. To visualize drug entry, we used GTTR to evaluate its applicability as a fluorescence-based uptake assay in these cell lines, which were previously employed mainly in cochlear explants. Sodium thiosulfate (STS) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly decreased GTTR uptake, suggesting a protective effect against gentamicin-induced hair cell damage. In conclusion, our findings showed a complex ototoxic cascade involving OCT2- and TMC1-mediated drug uptake, calcium imbalance, ER stress, and disruption of PI3K-Akt survival signaling. We believe that UB/OC-2 cells serve as a practical in vitro model for mechanistic investigations and screening of otoprotective compounds. Additionally, GTTR may be a simple, effective method for evaluating protective interventions in auditory cell lines. Overall, this study provides molecular-level insights into aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity and introduces a platform for protective strategies. Full article