Hair Growth Promoting Effects of 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase Inhibitor in Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is known to be effective in regenerating tissues, and bimatoprost, an analog of PGF2α, has been approved by the FDA as an eyelash growth promoter and has been proven effective in human hair follicles. Thus, to enhance PGE2 levels while improving hair loss, we found dihydroisoquinolinone piperidinylcarboxy pyrazolopyridine (DPP), an inhibitor of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), using DeepZema®, an AI-based drug development program. Here, we investigated whether DPP improved hair loss in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) damaged by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair loss. We found that DPP enhanced wound healing and the expression level of alkaline phosphatase in DHT-damaged HFDPCs. We observed that DPP significantly down-regulated the generation of reactive oxygen species caused by DHT. DPP recovered the mitochondrial membrane potential in DHT-damaged HFDPCs. We demonstrated that DPP significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of the AKT/ERK and activated Wnt signaling pathways in DHT-damaged HFDPCs. We also revealed that DPP significantly enhanced the size of the three-dimensional spheroid in DHT-damaged HFDPCs and increased hair growth in ex vivo human hair follicle organ culture. These data suggest that DPP exhibits beneficial effects on DHT-damaged HFDPCs and can be utilized as a promising agent for improving hair loss.

Comparison of laser and traditional lancing devices for capillary blood sampling in patients with diabetes mellitus and high bleeding risk.

PURPOSE: Despite the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) for management of diabetes mellitus (DM), frequent blood sampling is discouraged by bleeding risk due to dual-antiplatelet agent therapy (DAPT) or thrombocytopenia. METHODS: We compared the bleeding time (BT) of sampling by using a laser-lancing-device (LMT-1000) and a conventional lancet in patients with DM and thrombocytopenia or patients undergoing DAPT. BT was measured using the Duke method, and pain and satisfaction scores were assessed using numeric rating scale (NRS) and visual analog scale (VAS). The consistency in the values of glucose and glycated-hemoglobin (HbA1c) sampled using the LMT-1000 or lancet were compared. RESULTS: The BT of sampling with the LMT-1000 was shorter than that with the lancet in patients with thrombocytopenia (60s vs. 85s, P = 0.024). The NRS was lower and the VAS was higher in laser-applied-sampling than lancet-applied sampling in the DAPT-user group (NRS: 1 vs. 2, P = 0.010; VAS: 7 vs. 6, P = 0.003), whereas the group with thrombocytopenia only showed improvement in the VAS score (8 vs. 7, P = 0.049). Glucose and HbA1c sampled by the LMT-1000 and lancet were significantly correlated in both the DAPT-user and the thrombocytopenia groups. CONCLUSION: The LMT-1000 can promote SMBG by shortening BT in subject with thrombocytopenia and by increasing satisfaction score, as well as by showing reliable glucose and HbA1c value.

Comprehensive transcriptome profiling between balding and non-balding scalp of female pattern hair loss in Asian.

While many gene expression studies have focused on male pattern baldness (MPB), few studies have investigated the genetic differences between bald and non-bald hair follicles in female pattern hair loss (FPHL). This study aimed to identify molecular biomarkers associated with FPHL through genetic analysis of paired bald and non-bald hair follicles from 18 FPHL patients, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. RNA transcriptome analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between bald and non-bald hair follicles in FPHL. The DEGs were validated using real-time PCR, and protein expression was confirmed through immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Our findings suggest that HOXB13, SFRP2, PTGDS, CXCR3, SFRP4, SOD3, and DCN are significantly upregulated in bald hair follicles compared to non-bald hair follicles in FPHL. SFRP2 and PTGDS were found to be consistently highly expressed in bald hair follicles in all 18 samples. Additionally, elevated protein levels of SFRP2 and PTGDS were confirmed through western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. Our study identified SFRP2 and PTGDS as potential biomarkers for FPHL and suggests that they may play a role in inducing hair loss in this condition. These findings provide a foundation for further research on the pathogenesis of FPHL and potential therapeutic targets.

Survey on Resident Education for Surgical Dermatology in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing demand for surgical procedures in dermatology, resident education in surgical dermatology has become important for delivering high-quality treatment. However, it remains unclear if a sufficient number of residency programs with quality standards exist, as there has been little research on this subject in South Korea. OBJECTIVE: To identify the status of surgical dermatology education among residents and assess dermatologists' perceptions of the subject. METHODS: A 35-question survey was developed and distributed to all resident training hospitals and local clinics listed by the Korean Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Only third- and fourth-year residents were included and board-certified specialists from training hospitals and local clinics responded to the surveys. RESULTS: Survey participants included 88 residents and 120 specialists of whom one-quarter of the residents attended regular monthly educational sessions. Most residents (93%) participated in cosmetic procedures, and many performed laser therapy. However, the opportunity for toxin or filler injection was rare, with only 12% of the residents having experience with filler injections. In response, 49% of residents and 32% of specialists said that more cosmetic training was required, whereas 28% of residents and 50% of specialists said that more training for both cosmetic and conventional surgeries was necessary. CONCLUSION: The survey demonstrated a need for more training programs in surgical dermatology during residency and a perception gap between residents and specialists. Therefore, developing educational residency programs that focus on basic dermatologic surgery principles and their applications in cosmetic procedures is essential.

Re-order parameter of interacting thermodynamic magnets.

Phase diagrams of materials are typically based on a static order parameter, but it faces challenges when distinguishing subtle phase changes, such as re-ordering. Here, we report a dynamic nonequilibrium order parameter termed re-order parameter to determine subtle phases and their transitions in interacting magnets. The dynamical precession of magnetization, so-called magnon, premises as a reliable re-order parameter of strong spin-orbit coupled magnets. We employ orthoferrites YFeO3 and its Mn-doped variations, where diverse magnetic phases, including canted antiferromagnetic (Γ4) and collinear antiferromagnetic (Γ1) states, have been well-established. Low-energy magnon uncovers the spin-orbit coupling-induced subtle magnetic structures, resulting in distinct terahertz emissions. The temporal and spectral parameters of magnon emission exhibit characteristics akin to BCS-type order parameters, constructing the magnetic phase diagram of Mn-doped YFeO3. This approach further reveals a concealed ferrimagnetic phase within the Γ1 state, underscoring its potential to search for hidden phases of materials, completing their phase diagrams.

The development of anin vitrohuman hair follicle organoid with a complexity similar to thatin vivo.

In vitrohair follicle (HF) models are currently limited toex vivoHF organ cultures (HFOCs) or 2D models that are of low availability and do not reproduce the architecture or behavior of the hair, leading to poor screening systems. To resolve this issue, we developed a technology for the construction of a humanin vitrohair construct based on the assemblage of different types of cells present in the hair organ. First, we demonstrated that epithelial cells, when isolatedin vitro, have similar genetic signatures regardless of their dissection site, and their trichogenic potential is dependent on the culture conditions. Then, using cell aggregation techniques, 3D spheres of dermal papilla (DP) were constructed, and subsequently, epithelial cells were added, enabling the production and organization of keratins in hair, similar to what is seenin vivo. These reconstructed tissues resulted in the following hair compartments: K71 (inner root-sheath), K85 (matrix region), K75 (companion layer), and vimentin (DP). Furthermore, the new hair model was able to elongate similarly toex vivoHFOC, resulting in a shaft-like shape several hundred micrometers in length. As expected, when the model was exposed to hair growth enhancers, such as ginseng extract, or inhibitors, such as TGF-B-1, significant effects similar to thosein vivowere observed. Moreover, when transplanted into skin biopsies, the new constructs showed signs of integration and hair bud generation. Owing to its simplicity and scalability, this model fully enables high throughput screening of molecules, which allows understanding of the mechanism by which new actives treat hair loss, finding optimal concentrations, and determining the synergy and antagonism among different raw materials. Therefore, this model could be a starting point for applying regenerative medicine approaches to treat hair loss.

Capturing Coherent Magnons by Tip-Assisted Terahertz Spectroscopy.

Our study highlights the versatility of tip-assisted terahertz spectroscopy in probing coherent magnons, the elementary quanta of spin waves in magnetic materials. We identify two distinct coherent magnon types in canted antiferromagnet YFeO3. The remarkable consistency with far-field terahertz spectroscopy in crucial magnon parameters, such as coherence time and resonance frequency, firmly establishes the credibility of tip-assisted terahertz spectroscopy. Notably, we capture more coherent ferromagnetic magnons near the sample surface, underscoring the strength of the technique. This approach paves the way for local, free-standing, and real-space investigations of spin waves in solid magnets.

The First Case of Cutaneous Acanthamoebiasis Caused by Acanthamoeba triangularis in Korea.

A 62-year-old man with multiple myeloma visited our clinic with multiple painful erythematous to purpuric nodules on his whole body. He received a skin biopsy which showed septal and lobular inflammation with vasculitis, and multiple amoebic organisms were found. Polymerase chain reaction and culture were performed and an Acanthamoeba triangularis infection was diagnosed. This is the first report on cutaneous acanthamoebiasis caused by A. triangularis, suggesting that A. triangularis should be regarded as a clinical pathogen that can cause ocular as well as disseminated infection.

Ginsenoside Re prevents 3-methyladenine-induced catagen phase acceleration by regulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in human dermal papilla cells.

Background: The human hair follicle undergoes cyclic phases-anagen, catagen, and telogen-throughout its lifetime. This cyclic transition has been studied as a target for treating hair loss. Recently, correlation between the inhibition of autophagy and acceleration of the catagen phase in human hair follicles was investigated. However, the role of autophagy in human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs), which is involved in the development and growth of hair follicles, is not known. We hypothesized that acceleration of hair catagen phase upon inhibition of autophagy is due to the downregulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in hDPCs, and that components of Panax ginseng extract can increase the autophagic flux in hDPCs. Methods: We generated an autophagy-inhibited condition using 3-methyladenine (3-MA), a specific autophagy inhibitor, and investigated the regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling using the luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot analysis. In addition, cells were cotreated with ginsenoside Re and 3-MA and their roles in inhibiting autophagosome formation were investigated. Results: We found that the unstimulated anagen phase dermal papilla region expressed the autophagy marker, LC3. Transcription of Wnt-related genes and nuclear translocation of ß-catenin were reduced after treatment of hDPCs with 3-MA. In addition, treatment with the combination of ginsenoside Re and 3-MA changed the Wnt activity and hair cycle by restoring autophagy. Conclusions: Our results suggest that autophagy inhibition in hDPCs accelerates the catagen phase by downregulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Furthermore, ginsenoside Re, which increased autophagy in hDPCs, could be useful for reducing hair loss caused by abnormal inhibition of autophagy.

A Randomized, Prospective, Split-Face Pilot Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of 532-nm and 1,064-nm Picosecond-Domain Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Lasers Using a Diffractive Optical Element for Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvenation: Clinical and Histological Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The advent of fractionated picosecond (ps) lasers has provided an opportunity to explore new ways of creating microinjuries in the skin to induce skin rejuvenation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of diffractive optical element (DOE)-assisted ps neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers with 532-nm and 1,064-nm wavelengths (532-nm and 1,064-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE) using a novel fractional handpiece for the treatment of photoaged skin. METHODS: An ex vivo guinea pig skin experiment was performed by evaluating the histology of the skin after 532-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE irradiation. A randomized, prospective, split-face study was performed on eight subjects with 532-nm and 1,064-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE. RESULTS: Based on the histological evaluation using ex vivo guinea pig skin, a reasonable safety profile and the potential to generate effective skin rejuvenation was observed using the 532-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE. Results demonstrated that both 532- and 1,064-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE were similarly effective in improving skin texture and skin pores; however, 532-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE was more effective in treating dyspigmentation. CONCLUSION: At a preliminary level, this study revealed that 532-nm and 1,064-nm ps Nd:YAG lasers using DOE fractional technology may improve photoaged skin. In conclusion, 532-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE may be especially beneficial for skin with epidermal pigmentary lesions.

The efficacy and safety of the combination of photobiomodulation therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on androgenetic alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) appears to be safe and effective for hair loss. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) also has a positive biological effect on hair re-growth. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of both PBMT and PEMF for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial. We recruited 80 subjects with androgenetic alopecia. The subjects got treatment every week for the 1st 12 weeks, every other week for the next 8 weeks. PBMT entails 15-min therapy, and PEMF was carried out for 10 min. RESULTS: The baseline hair density was 114.57 (±28.75)/cm2 and 113.31 (±30.07)/cm2 in both treatment and control groups. After 24 weeks of treatment, the mean hair density increased to 139.37 (±31.4)/cm2 in the treatment group but only to 119.78 (±31.92)/cm2 in the control group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the global assessment of independent experts, the score was 0.41 (±0.62) in the treatment group and 0.07 (±0.45) in the control group. Only very mild erythema or irritation was reported, and no serious adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of PBMT and PEMF is a valid and safe treatment option for AGA.

Real-space imaging and control of chiral anomaly induced current at room temperature in topological Dirac semimetal.

Chiral fermions (CFs) in condensed matters, distinguished by right (+) or left (-) handedness, hold a promise for emergent quantum devices. Although a chiral anomaly induced current, Jchiral = J(+) - J(-), occurs in Weyl semimetals due to the charge imbalance of the CFs, monitoring spatial flow and temporal dynamics of Jchiral has not been demonstrated yet. Here, we report real-space imaging and control of Jchiral on the topological Dirac semimetal KZnBi at room temperature (RT) by near-field terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, establishing a relation for an electromagnetic control of Jchiral. In THz electric and external magnetic fields, we visualize a spatial flow of coherent Jchiral in macroscopic length scale and monitor its temporal dynamics in picosecond time scale, revealing its ultralong transport length around 100 micrometers. Such coherent Jchiral is further found to be controlled according to field directions, suggesting the feasibility of information science with topological Dirac semimetals at RT.

The first broad replication study of SNPs and a pilot genome-wide association study for androgenetic alopecia in Asian populations.

BACKGROUND: Many candidate genes for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) have been identified in studies of the Caucasians and some Asian populations. AIMS: This study aimed to confirm the known susceptibility genes reported in previous studies and find additional candidate genes for high-risk individuals for AGA in Korean population. PATIENTS/METHODS: We recapitulated the previously reported SNPs and identified the novel Korean AGA risk genetic variants using a Korean hospital-based AGA case and control samples. The population was consisting of 494 individuals (275 AGA cases and 146 controls). Using the 800 K SNPs of precision medical research array (PMRA SNP microarray chip) and imputation-based SNPs, 12 previous GWAS reports for AGA and a total of 62 160 SNPs were examined in our study samples. Also, we conducted the genome-wide association study (GWAS) by the logistic regression analyses for AGA cases and controls with controlling the age as the covariates. RESULTS: Among the 62 160 SNPs, a total of 1143 SNPs in 76 gene regions showed weak replication tendency with the p-values <0.05 and same direction of effects. Additionally, the GWAS results showed 110 SNPs in 13 independent regions with the suggestive p-values <1.00 × 10-5 . The most significantly replicated SNP resided on chromosome 20, which were similar to other AGA replication studies including Chinese study. The GWAS identified two SNPs (rs11010734 and rs2420640) increasing the risk for AGA in our study population. CONCLUSIONS: Our study would be a reference of the non-European studies to better understand AGA in different populations and ancestral contexts.

Identifying the Correlation between Structural Parameters and Anisotropic Magnetic Properties in IMnV Semiconductors: A Possible Room-Temperature Magnetism.

Layer-structured materials are of central importance in a wide range of research fields owing to their unique properties originating from their two dimensionality and anisotropy. Herein, quasi-2D layer-structured IMnV (I: alkali metals and V: pnictogen elements) compounds are investigated, which are potential antiferromagnetic (AFM) semiconductors. Single crystals of IMnV compounds are successfully grown using the self-flux method and their electronic and magnetic properties are analyzed in correlation with structural parameters. Combined with theoretical calculations, the structural analysis indicates that the variation in the bonding angle between VMnV is responsible for the change in the orbital hybridization of Mn and V, predominantly affecting their anisotropic semiconducting properties. Anisotropy in the magnetic properties is also found, where AFM ordering is expected to occur in the in-plane direction, as supported by spin-structure calculations. Furthermore, a possible ferromagnetic (FM) transition is discussed in relation to the vacancy defects. This study provides a candidate material group for AFM and FM spintronics and a basis for exploring magnetic semiconductors in quasi-2D layer-structured systems.