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.

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.

IoT-Based Research Equipment Sharing System for Remotely Controlled Two-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy.

In this study, two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) based on the internet of things (IoT) is proposed as a remote research equipment sharing system, which enables the remote sharing economy. IoT modules, where data are transmitted to and received from the remote users in the web service via IoT, instead of a data acquisition (DAQ) system embedded in the conventional TPLSM, are installed in the IoT-based TPLSM (IoT-TPLSM). The performance for each IoT module is evaluated independently, and it is confirmed that it works well even in a personal computer-free environment. In addition, a message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) protocol is applied to the DAQ interface in the web service, and a graphic user interface for enabling the remote users to operate IoT-TPLSM remotely is also designed and implemented. For the image acquisition demonstration, the stained cellular images and the autofluorescent tissue images are obtained in IoT-TPLSM. Lastly, it is confirmed that the comparable performance is provided with the conventional TPLSM by evaluating the imaging conditions and qualities of the three-dimensional image stacks processed in IoT-TPLSM.

Boehmite enhances hair follicle growth via stimulation of dermal papilla cells by upregulating ß-catenin signalling.

Hair growth, a complex process, has long been the subject of intense research. Recent developments in material technology have revealed boehmite as a new therapeutic modality for use in wound healing and scar reduction, indicating its beneficial effects. Nonetheless, the biological bases of the beneficial effects of boehmite remain unknown. We investigated the hair growth properties of boehmite in vitro and in vivo and observed dose-dependent proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) in vitro and hair regrowth in a mouse model. To investigate the effects of boehmite on the promotion of cell transition to the anagen phase, we evaluated hDPC viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, protein expression and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in vitro and assessed the anagen-promoting effects of boehmite via gross observation and histological analysis in a mouse model. Boehmite increased hDPC viability, ALP activity, AKT/GSK3ß/ß-catenin pathway activity, anagen-related gene expression and VEGF secretion; moreover, it accelerated hair regrowth in a catagen-anagen transition model via upregulation of ß-catenin signalling and follicular cell proliferation. Collectively, our results indicate that boehmite accelerates hair growth, partly via its effects on critical events in the active phase of the hair follicle cycle, including the promotion of the proliferation of hDPCs and their immediate progeny to the follicle base.

Combination Treatment with Human Adipose Tissue Stem Cell-derived Exosomes and Fractional CO2 Laser for Acne Scars: A 12-week Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized, Split-face Study.

A variety of applications of human adipose tissue stem cell-derived exosomes have been suggested as novel cell-free therapeutic strategies in the regenerative and aesthetic medical fields. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of adipose tissue stem cell-derived exosomes as an adjuvant therapy after application of fractional CO2 laser for acne scars. A 12-week prospective, double-blind, randomized, split-face trial was performed. A total of 25 patients received 3 consecutive treatment sessions of fractional CO2 laser to the whole face, with a follow-up evaluation. Post-laser treatment regimens were applied; for each patient, one side of the face was treated with adipose tissue stem cell-derived exosomes gel and the other side was treated with control gel. Adipose tissue stem cell-derived exosomes-treated sides had achieved a significantly greater improvement than the control sides at the final follow-up visit (percentage reduction in échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné scores: 32.5 vs 19.9%, p < 0.01). Treatment-related erythema was milder, and post-treatment downtime was shorter on the applications of human adipose tissue stem cell-derived exosomes-treated side. In conclusion, the combined use of this novel material with resurfacing devices would provide synergistic effects on both the efficacy and safety of atrophic acne scar treatments.

A comparative clinical trial to evaluate efficacy and safety of the 308-nm excimer laser and the gain-switched 311-nm titanium:sapphire laser in the treatment of vitiligo.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Ultraviolet B (UVB) laser irradiation in a targeted manner is a reasonable treatment option for localized vitiligo. Recently, narrow-band UVB gain-switched 311-nm titanium:sapphire lasers (TSL) were developed for the treatment of localized vitiligo. We aimed to compare efficacy, patient satisfaction, and safety between the conventional 308-nm excimer laser (EL) and gain-switched 311-nm TSL in patients with vitiligo. METHODS: The 13-paired lesions from 10 patients who had small vitiligo patches were included in this prospective intra-patient comparison trial. Each pair was randomly assigned to each laser treatment group and treated twice weekly for 12 weeks. The global photographic assessments by dermatologists, objective numerical assessments by imaging analyzer, and patient's satisfaction were used to evaluate the effectiveness. Adverse effects were also investigated at every visit. RESULTS: All treated lesions showed improvement of about 50% after 12 weeks. There was no significant difference between EL- and TSL-treated groups. Patient satisfaction and preference among the groups were also similar. Regarding safety, there were no serious adverse effects requiring cessation of the treatments; however, the severity score for persistent erythema (lasting >24 hours) was significantly lower in the TSL group than in the EL group. CONCLUSIONS: The gain-switched 311-nm TSL exhibited similar efficacy to the 308-nm EL in treating vitiligo as well as improved safety. Therefore, the 311-nm TSL is considered as a candidate device to replace the EL as a new and promising treatment option for localized vitiligo.

Quercitrin Stimulates Hair Growth with Enhanced Expression of Growth Factors via Activation of MAPK/CREB Signaling Pathway.

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of quercitrin, a major constituent of Hottuynia cordata extract, for its hair growth stimulating activities in cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Quercitrin enhanced the cell viability and cellular energy metabolism in cultured hDPCs by stimulating the production of NAD(P)H and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ). The expression of Bcl2, an essential marker for anagen hair follicle and cell survival, was increased by quercitrin treatment. Quercitrin also increased the cell proliferation marker Ki67. The expression of growth factors-such as bFGF, KGF, PDGF-AA, and VEGF-were increased by quercitrin both in mRNA and protein levels. In addition, quercitrin was found to increase the phosphorylation of Akt, Erk, and CREB in cultured hDPCs, while inhibitors of MAPKs reversed the effects of quercitrin. Finally, quercitrin stimulated hair shaft growth in cultured human hair follicles. Our data obtained from present study are in line with those previously reported and demonstrate that quercitrin is (one of) the active compound(s) of Hottuynia cordata extract which showed hair growth promoting effects. It is strongly suggested that the hair growth stimulating activity of quercitrin was exerted by enhancing the cellular energy metabolism, increasing the production of growth factors via activation of MAPK/CREB signaling pathway.

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells engineered to overexpress growth factors accelerate outcomes in hair growth.

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) are used in tissue repair and regeneration; however, the mechanisms involved are not well understood. We investigated the hair growth-promoting effects of hUCB-MSCs treatment to determine whether hUCB-MSCs enhance the promotion of hair growth. Furthermore, we attempted to identify the factors responsible for hair growth. The effects of hUCB-MSCs on hair growth were investigated in vivo, and hUCB-MSCs advanced anagen onset and hair follicle neogeneration. We found that hUCB-MSCs co-culture increased the viability and up-regulated hair induction-related proteins of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) in vitro. A growth factor antibody array revealed that secretory factors from hUCB-MSCs are related to hair growth. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were increased in co-culture medium. Finally, we found that IGFBP-1, through the co-localization of an IGF-1 and IGFBP-1, had positive effects on cell viability; VEGF secretion; expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), CD133, and ß-catenin; and formation of hDPCs 3D spheroids. Taken together, these data suggest that hUCB-MSCs promote hair growth via a paracrine mechanism.

The Efficacy and Safety of 660 nm and 411 to 777 nm Light-Emitting Devices for Treating Wrinkles.

BACKGROUND: Low-level light therapy (LLLT) using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is considered to be helpful for skin regeneration and anti-inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2 types of LLLTs using 660 nm-emitting red LEDs and 411 to 777 nm-emitting white LEDs in the treatment of facial wrinkles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, comparative clinical trial involving 52 adult female subjects was performed. The faces of the subjects were irradiated daily with 5.17 J of red or white LEDs for 12 weeks. RESULTS: In both groups treated with red and white LEDs, the wrinkle measurement from skin replica improved significantly from baseline at Week 12. The red LED group showed slightly better improvement, but there were no statistical differences. In assessments by blinded dermatologists, no significant differences were observed in both groups. In the global assessment of the subjects, the mean improvement score of the red LED group was higher than that of the white LED group. CONCLUSION: Low-level light therapy using 660 nm LEDs or 411 to 777 nm LEDs significantly improved periocular wrinkles. Especially, 660 nm LEDs could be an effective and tolerable treatment option for wrinkles.

Alopecia Areata Progression Index, a Scoring System for Evaluating Overall Hair Loss Activity in Alopecia Areata Patients with Pigmented Hair: A Development and Reliability Assessment.

BACKGROUND: No scoring systems to evaluate overall hair loss activity in alopecia areata (AA) have been established. OBJECTIVE: We sought to develop a measurement tool (Alopecia Areata Progression Index, AAPI) for the evaluation of overall hair loss activity in AA patients with pigmented hair. METHODS: The scalp surface area was divided into 4 quadrants. In each quadrant, hair loss activity was scored on the basis of the percentage of alopecic area, clinical findings associated with hair loss. The AAPI was measured in 17 patients with different severities of AA. RESULTS: Interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed by 4 investigators. A significant correlation of the total AAPI was found among the 4 investigators. In addition, intraobserver reliability was excellent, and interobserver reliability was statistically reliable. CONCLUSION: The AAPI seems to represent a system capable of truly quantifying overall hair loss activity in AA patients with different severity, demonstrating trustworthy interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

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.

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.

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.