Silica (Hair/Nails)

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a chronic, systemic, neutrophilic inflammatory disease. A previous Delphi panel established areas of consensus on GPP, although patient perspectives were not included and aspects of treatment goals remained unclear. OBJECTIVES: To identify and achieve consensus on refined, specific treatment goals for GPP treatment via a Delphi panel with patient participation. METHODS: Statements were generated based on a systematic literature review and revised by a Steering Committee. Statements were categorized into overarching principles, and short- and long-term treatment goals. A global panel of 30 dermatologists and 3 patient representatives voted in agreement or disagreement with each statement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% approval by the panellists. RESULTS: Consensus was reached in the first round of voting and ≥ 90% agreement was reached for 23 of 26 statements. In summary, GPP requires a timely, tailored treatment plan, co-developed by patients and physicians, that involves a multidisciplinary approach and addresses the complexity, heterogeneity and chronicity of the disease. Short-term treatment goals should include pustule clearance within 7 days and prevention of pustule recurrence, reduction of cutaneous symptom burden (-4 or more points on the Itch and Skin Pain Numeric Rating Scale), improvement in systemic symptoms (e.g. resolution of fever within 3 days of treatment initiation and reduced fatigue), prevention of life-threatening complications and progressive improvement of inflammatory biomarkers. In patients with comorbid psoriatic diseases, treatment decisions should prioritize GPP. Long-term treatment goals should include minimizing disease activity through flare prevention and symptom control between flares, sustained disease control, management of comorbidities and improvement in quality of life (QoL). Small differences in perception between patients and physicians regarding the importance of certain treatment goals (e.g. avoiding hair and/or nail loss to improve QoL), reflect the complexity of assessing treatment goals and emphasize the need for a patient-centred approach. CONCLUSIONS: In the first

Background Oral collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in Saudi Arabia, as they are widely recognized for their significant benefits to skin health, joint support, and overall wellness. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of oral marine collagen in enhancing health and beauty among Saudi consumers. Method A cross-sectional survey involving 171 participants was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness, usage, side effects, and reasons for discontinuation of the product. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and a logistic regression model using SPSS version 29.0.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Among 171 participants, the majority were women (153, 89.5%) and aged 20-30 years (78, 45.6%). Collagen use was reported by 56 (32.7%), mainly for strengthening hair/nails (42, 75%) and improving skin (40, 71.4%). Reported improvements included hair/nails (13, 23.2%), with 25 (44.6%) experiencing some improvement; skin (13, 23.2%), with 24 (42.9%) experiencing some improvement; joint pain (12, 21.4%), with 22 (39.3%) experiencing some improvement. Powder (45, 80.4%) was the most used form. Users of collagen for 4-8 weeks had significantly greater hair/nail improvement (73.7% versus 26.3%, p=0.033) and lower early discontinuation (16.7% versus 50.0%, p=0.010). Side effects were reported by 32 (57.1%), with gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms in 18 (32.1%). Sleep duration improved post-supplementation, but not significantly (p=0.175). Age was the only significant predictor of collagen benefit (p=0.002), with younger participants more likely to report positive outcomes. Conclusions This study shows that oral collagen use is associated with modest improvements in hair, skin, joint comfort, and sleep, particularly with consistent use over 4-8 weeks. Younger individuals experienced greater benefits. However, side effects and early discontinuation were common. Improved public awareness and further research are recommended to optimize safe and effective use.

Since its introduction in 2012, ferroptosis has garnered significant attention from researchers over the past decade. Unlike autophagy and apoptosis, ferroptosis is an atypical iron-dependent programmed cell death that falls under necrosis. It is regulated by various cellular metabolic and signaling processes, which encompass amino acid, lipid, iron, and mitochondrial metabolism. The initiation of ferroptosis occurs through iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation. Notably, ferroptosis exhibits a dual effect and is associated with various diseases. A significant challenge lies in managing autoimmune disorders with unknown origins that stem from the reactivation of the immune system. Two contributing factors to autoimmunity are the aberrant stimulation of cell death and the inadequate clearance of dead cells, which can expose or release intracellular components that activate the immune response. Ferroptosis is distinct from other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis, due to its unique morphological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics and specific relationship with cellular iron levels. Recent studies indicate that immune cells can both induce and undergo ferroptosis. To better understand how ferroptosis influences immune responses and its imbalance in disease, a molecular understanding of the relationship between ferroptosis and immunity is essential. Consequently, further research is needed to develop immunotherapeutics that target ferroptosis. This review primarily focuses on the role of ferroptosis in immune-related disorders. © 2025. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to University of Navarra.

Erratum in Pathol Res Pract. 2025 Jun;270:156000. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2025.156000. Delayed diagnosis and limited access to healthcare resources are leading to advanced stage breast carcinoma posing a formidable health challenge to modern medical science. Avoiding the occurrence of breast carcinoma is only possible by ascertaining the risk factors contributing to the progression of this fatal malignancy. Among other factors, exposure to trace elements plays a decisive role in progression of breast carcinoma development. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the harmful traces and vital components (Pb, Ca, Mn, Cd, Na, Cr, Cu, Mg, Sr, K, Fe, Zn, Co, Li, Se, Ag, Hg, As, Al and Ni) contents in the blood (n = 161), scalp hair (n = 149) and nails (n = 135) of stage IV breast carcinoma patients and female controls by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results revealed that mean Cr, Cu, Pb and Cd levels were elevated significantly (p < 0.05) in the nails and blood, while Ni, Co, Cr, Pb and Cd levels (p < 0.05) were elevated in the scalp hair of stage IV breast carcinoma patients than the female controls. Based on pathological breast cancer types, Pb and Cd were elevated in invasive ductal carcinoma, while Cu and Co were higher in invasive lobular carcinoma patients. Multivariate analysis was applied for the source of identification and apportionment of toxic trace elements in both donor groups. Most of the factors showed significant differences between the malignant and control groups' dietary, housing, and tobacco use/nonuse behaviors. The correlation analysis revealed significantly different association patterns for toxic trace elements in patients and controls and has an influential effect on cancer risk. Overall, the current study indicates a potential role of toxic trace elements in the development of breast carcinoma and these findings could be significant in the predicting diagnosis/prognosis of breast malignancy.

As a result of biotribocorrosion, the surface of a titanium (Ti) biomedical device can be a potential source of systemic contamination with Ti nanoparticles (NPs). Although NPs can be chemically similar, differences in particle size may lead to different biological responses. The aim of this experimental study was to determine Ti trace levels in skin appendages and plasma and explore the influence of NP size on trace levels using a murine model. Results showed the presence of Ti traces in the nails, hair, and plasma. The concentration of the smallest NPs (5 Nm) was higher than that of 10 Nm NPs in all the studied samples. Irrespective of NP size, Ti levels were always lower in plasma than in skin appendages. Ti levels were higher in nails than in hair. Ti NPs size influenced trace concentration levels in hair/nails, suggesting that 5 Nm Ti particles are more easily eliminated through these skin appendages. Given that the nails showed the highest levels of Ti, and that these skin appendages are not exposed to agents that can leach out Ti, as occurs with hair, we propose the nails as the most suitable and reliable bioindicator for monitoring systemic contamination with Ti.

BACKGROUND: Thailand faces a rapidly aging population alongside a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Ensuring equitable healthcare access for older adults with NCDs is a pressing challenge. Mobile health clinics and telehealth services have emerged as key strategies to reach underserved elderly populations and maintain continuity of NCD care in remote or resource-limited settings. OBJECTIVE: To examine current mobile clinic initiatives and telehealth outreach in Thailand focused on elderly care and NCD management, and to evaluate their impact on healthcare access and outcomes for older adults. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of published literature, policy reports, and program descriptions on mobile health clinics and telehealth interventions in Thailand, with emphasis on applications for older adults and chronic disease care (eg, diabetes, hypertension). A comprehensive search (2010-2025) of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Thai government/organization websites identified relevant sources. Data on intervention models, settings, target populations, and reported outcomes were extracted. In total, 15 key publications and reports were reviewed, from which 8 major mobile clinic or telehealth initiatives were identified. RESULTS: Mobile health clinics have expanded primary care access for vulnerable elderly in both urban and rural areas. The Thai Red Cross Society's mobile clinic serves remote mountainous communities and provides primary care, NCD screenings, vaccinations, and medications to about 5,000 underserved people annually. Past mobile outreach programs have uncovered many untreated cases-in one survey, 58% of hypertensive and 75% of diabetic elderly were first diagnosed via a mobile unit. Telehealth services have likewise grown substantially. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine was rapidly adopted for routine consultations and chronic disease follow-ups. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) introduced a nationwide telemedicine service under the Universal Coverage Scheme, enabling remote consultations and medication deliveries for stable chronic NCD patients, ensuring continuity of care during lockdowns. Numerous telehealth appl

BACKGROUND: Environmental biomonitoring of petroleum-linked heavy metal exposure remains challenging due to limitations in sensitivity, selectivity, and matrix complexity of conventional methods. This study bridges this gap by engineering methionine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@CPTES@Methionine) for precision monitoring. Leveraging methionine's dual-function groups, the nanoplatform selectively preconcentrates trace lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from human hair/nails prior to AAS quantification. This approach specifically targets exogenous contamination from petroleum activities, distinguishing it from endogenous elements (Cu, Zn, Fe). The method enables direct linkage of industrial pollution to human exposure, addressing critical needs in occupational/environmental health. RESULTS: The nanobiocomposite achieved ultra-trace detection limits (0.003-0.03 mg/kg) and high recovery (>95 %) across all target metals, validated using certified reference materials (98-102 % recovery). Analysis revealed significantly elevated Pb (0.8-3.0 mg/kg) and Cd (0.2-0.6 mg/kg; p < 0.05) accumulation in oil field workers compared to non-exposed controls (Pb: 0.1-0.5 mg/kg; Cd: 0.03-0.1 mg/kg), directly implicating petroleum operations. In contrast, endogenous Cu (7.8-11.2 mg/kg), Zn (110-165 mg/kg), and Fe (12.3-28.1 mg/kg) levels showed no significant inter-cohort differences, confirming metabolic regulation over exogenous input. The nanoplatform demonstrated reusability (>3 cycles) without performance loss. SIGNIFICANCE: This work establishes a transformative, nanotechnology-enabled biomonitoring tool that precisely links petroleum-driven heavy metal contamination to human exposure. Its high sensitivity, selectivity, and reusability offer a scalable strategy for real-time occupational risk assessment, pollution source tracking, and environmental health management in resource-extraction zones. The methodology bridges advanced material design with practical global health applications, providing a definitive tool for exposure attribution and supporting ecological sustainability.

Trace elements and minerals play a significant role in human health and diseases. In recent years, ionomics has been rapidly and widely applied to explore the distribution, regulation, and crosstalk of different elements in various physiological and pathological processes. On the basis of multi-elemental analytical techniques and bioinformatics methods, it is possible to elucidate the relationship between the metabolism and homeostasis of diverse elements and common diseases. The current review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in the application of ionomics in metabolic disease research. We mainly focuses on the studies about ionomic or multi-elemental profiling of different biological samples for several major types of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, which reveal distinct and dynamic patterns of ion contents and their potential benefits in the detection and prognosis of these illnesses. Accumulation of copper, selenium, and environmental toxic metals as well as deficiency of zinc and magnesium appear to be the most significant risk factors for the majority of metabolic diseases, suggesting that imbalance of these elements may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Moreover, each type of metabolic diseases has shown a relatively unique distribution of ions in biofluids and hair/nails from patients, which might serve as potential indicators for the respective disease. Overall, ionomics not only improves our understanding of the association between elemental dyshomeostasis and the development of metabolic disease but also assists in the identification of new potential diagnostic and prognostic markers in translational medicine.

Metals play a critical role in human health and diseases. In recent years, metallomics has been introduced and extensively applied to investigate the distribution, regulation, function, and crosstalk of metal(loid) ions in various physiological and pathological processes. Based on high-throughput multielemental analytical techniques and bioinformatics methods, it is possible to elucidate the correlation between the metabolism and homeostasis of diverse metals and complex diseases, in particular for cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of recent progress made in the application of metallomics in cancer research. We mainly focuses on the studies about metallomic profiling of different human biological samples for several major types of cancer, which reveal distinct and dynamic patterns of metal ion contents and the potential benefits of using such information in the detection and prognosis of these malignancies. Elevated levels of copper appear to be a significant risk factor for various cancers, and each type of cancer has a unique distribution of metals in biofluids, hair/nails, and tumor-affected tissues. Furthermore, associations between genetic variations in representative metalloprotein genes and cancer susceptibility have also been demonstrated. Overall, metallomics not only offers a better understanding of the relationship between metal dyshomeostasis and the development of cancer but also facilitates the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic markers for cancer translational medicine. © Oxford University Press 2022.

Potentially harmful elements (PHEs) manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) were measured in human hair/nails, staple crops and drinking water to ascertain the level of exposure to dust transference via wind and rain erosion for members of the Mugala community living near a mine waste dump in the Zambian Copperbelt. The mean PHE concentrations of hair in decreasing order were Zn (137 ± 21 mg/kg), Cu (38 ± 7 mg/kg), Mn (16 ± 2 mg/kg), Pb (4.3 ± 1.9 mg/kg), Ni (1.3 ± 0.2 mg/kg) and Cr (1.2 ± 0.2 mg/kg), Co (0.9 ± 0.2 mg/kg) and Cd (0.30 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Whilst for toenails the decreasing order of mean concentrations was Zn (172 ± 27 mg/kg), Cu (30 ± 5 mg/kg), Mn (12 ± 2 mg/kg), Pb (4.8 ± 0.5 mg/kg), Ni (1.7 ± 0.14 mg/kg) and Co (1.0 ± 0.02 mg/kg), Cr (0.6 ± 0.1 mg/kg) and Cd (0.1 ± 0.002 mg/kg). The concentration of these potentially harmful elements (PHEs) varied greatly among different age groups. The results showed that Mn, Co, Pb, Cd and Zn were above the interval values (Biolab in Nutritional and environmental medicine, Hair Mineral Analysis, London, 2012) at 0.2-2.0 mg/kg for Mn, 0.01-0.20 mg/kg for Co, < 2.00 mg/kg for Pb, < 0.10 mg/kg for Cd and 0.2-2.00 mg/kg for Zn, whilst Ni, Cu and Cr concentrations were within the normal range concentrations of < 1.40 mg/kg, 10-100 mg/kg and 0.1-1.5 mg/kg, respectively. Dietary intake of PHEs was assessed from the ingestion of vegetables grown in Mugala village, with estimated PHE intakes expressed on a daily basis calculated for Mn (255), Pb (48), Ni (149) and Cd (33) µg/kg bw/day. For these metals, DI via vegetables was above the proposed limits of the provisional tolerable daily intakes (PTDIs) (WHO in Evaluation of certain food additive and contaminants, Seventy-third report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 2011) for Mn at 70 µg/kg bw/day, Pb at 3 µg/kg bw/day, Ni and Cd 5 µg/kg bw/day and 1 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. The rest of the PHEs listed were within the PTDIs limits. Therefore, Mugala inhabitants are at imminent health risk due to lead, nickel and cadmium ingestion of vegetables and drinking water at this location.

In this research, an accurate procedure was developed to determine Cd, Cu, Pb and Si in dietary supplements using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GFAAS). The operational parameters for the graphite furnace method were thoroughly investigated, including the influence of the chemical modifier along with the optimisation of pyrolysis and atomisation temperatures. The detection limits for Cd, Cu, Pb, and Si were 0.02 µg L-1, 0.35 µg L-1, 0.18 µg L -1 and 0.98 µg L -1, respectively. The accuracy of the method was validated using INCT-MP4-2 (Mixed Polish Herbs) as a certified reference material and complemented by standard addition tests. The determined elemental contents showed satisfactory agreement with both certified values and the spiked amounts, as confirmed by a t-test at 95% confidence level. The validated procedure was successfully applied to nine commercial dietary supplements representing three botanical silicon sources (bamboo, horsetail, and nettle). The analysis revealed a cadmium concentration in one horsetail-based sample (H1) that marginally exceeded the EU regulatory limit, as well as a substantial discrepancy between the declared and measured silicon content in another horsetail-based sample (H2), where the determined value was nearly eight times lower than stated by the manufacturer.

Occupational exposure to lead and cadmium in the petroleum industry is recorded in keratinous tissue. In hair and nails, however, the concentrations are low and the digest is rich in alkali and alkaline-earth cations, which together place these analytes below the practical reach of flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) unless a selective preconcentration step is applied. We therefore developed a silica-coated magnetite adsorbent bearing covalently grafted L-cystine (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@CPTES@Cystine) for the magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(III) prior to FAAS. L-Cystine was chosen over cysteine because its sulfur is already in the oxidised, dimeric state; it is not consumed by the oxidative pathway that shortens the operational life of thiol-bearing adsorbents, and so trades peak affinity for stability on repeated regeneration. Grafting was confirmed by disulfide stretches at 500 and 540 cm⁻¹ , present only in the final material, and by a fall in surface chlorine below 0.1 at% (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS). The mesoporous product (127.3 m²/g) retained a saturation magnetisation of 22.0 emu/g, allowing magnetic capture within 1 min. Under optimised conditions (pH 8.0, 30 mg adsorbent, 100 mL sample, elution with 4 mL of 1.0 M NaOH), recoveries were 90-98% with enrichment factors of 22.5-24.5, maximum Langmuir capacities of 58-105 mg/g, linearity over 0.5-10.0 mg/L (R² = 0.99

INTRODUCTION: Tunnel construction activities are associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), placing workers at risk of silicosis and lung cancer. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is frequently relied upon to supplement other control measures to reduce exposure. However, the practical effectiveness of RPE in preventing over-exposure can be compromised by a range of factors, reducing its expected level of protection. OBJECTIVE: To identify and explore the factors that influence the practical effectiveness of RPE programs in tunnel construction environments. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of exposure assessments between 2018 and 2024, prepared by occupational hygienists across multiple Australian tunnel construction projects, was performed. The focus was on instances where RPE was used but where RCS exposures were still judged by the occupational hygienist to have exceeded the occupational exposure limit (OEL) in place at the time. Contributing factors were identified and categorised. RESULTS: Occupational hygienists identified six factors that impacted the practical effectiveness of RPE when RCS was measured above the OEL. The most common factor was that the RPE provided to the worker had an insufficient minimum protection factor to reduce exposure to levels below the OEL. Other factors included the absence of fit testing, the presence of facial hair, and intermittent or non-use of the RPE. In an average of 17% of cases where RCS exposure exceeded the OEL, occupational hygienists judged the RPE to be ineffective in adequately reducing exposure levels. CONCLUSION: The findings highligh

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are critical effectors of innate immunity and promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. However, their low abundance and interference from high-molecular-weight proteins in biological matrices hinder their selective enrichment and detection. Here, we report the design and synthesis of dual-pore covalent organic framework (COF)-shelled magnetic particles (M-Si@COF12) for efficient AMP and microprotein enrichment. The particles consist of magnetic core coated with silica (M-Si), followed by room-temperature, silanol-initiated growth of hair-like COF structures. This unique design provides

Heat damage is a common phenomenon that often occurs when drying and straightening hair. After heat damage, the hydrophobic barrier on the hair's surface becomes disrupted, thereby altering the hair's hydrophilicity. Meanwhile, during the process of heat damage, the rupture of the hair's cuticles causes the hair to become dry and rough, with a decrease in gloss and a decline in mechanical properties. This study utilized epoxy silane and hydrolyzed wool keratin to synthesize a thermally responsive organic silicon-modified keratin (OSK) to prevent hair from heat damage. OSK was synthesized from epoxy silane and hydrolyzed keratin, with yield determined by quantifying free amino groups. Its hair-care performance was evaluated through assessments of hair surface morphology, mechanical properties, and optical gloss, and by combing test and contact angle measurements. Mechanisms underlying surface hydrophobicity and hair scale protection were investigated using FTIR, XPS, and DSC. Specific performance parameters were evaluated using a single-fiber strength tester and a multifunctional hair-testing instrument. FTIR confirmed successful covalent grafting, with synthesis optimized to a 90.67% yield. OSK forms a protective film on hair surfaces, verified by SEM, XPS, and TEM, restoring damaged hair hydrophobicity to a 117° contact angle and enhancing thermal protection to 136° upon heating. Beyond hydrophobic-barrier restoration, OSK improved hair gloss by 30.26% and reduced frizz by 39.33%, while restoring the key performance of virgin hair. It also provides exceptional water-repellency protection and sensory enhancement. Under thermal stress, the protective film mechanically increased tensile strength by 6.58% and yield zone tensile force by 4.65%. This article demonstr

6. Adv Mater. 2026 Feb;38(12):e09502. doi: 10.1002/adma.202509502. Epub 2026 Jan 14. Magnetic Mesoporous Nanoparticles Loaded with Lycium barbarum Glycopeptide for Targeted Therapy of Noise-Triggered Auditory Dysfunction. Liao M(1)(2)(3), Zhu Q(1)(4), Cheng H(1), Qiu Y(1), Xu S(5), Bu C(6)(7), Song W(8), Xue J(2), Zhuang X(9), Wang Y(1), Pang X(10), Wei H(11), Hu Y(1)(2), Chai R(1)(3)(12)(13)(14). Author information: (1)Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China. (2)School of Medical Engineering, Affiliated Zhuhai People's Hospital, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai, China. (3)Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China. (4)Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China. (5)Department of Otolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China. (6)The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University/The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Xuzhou, China. (7)The First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University/The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, China. (8)Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China. (9)Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China. (10)College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China. (11)Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China. (12)Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China. (13)Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck S

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial atherosclerotic disorder. Silicon (Si) is a trace mineral with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-modulating effects, but its clinical relevance in cardiovascular disease remains unclear. This study evaluated whether hair Si concentration-reflecting long-term exposure-is associated with CAD severity, clinical phenotype, risk factors, and systemic inflammation. Methods: A total of 130 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD (N = 36, 28% women) who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Disease severity was quantified using the Coronary Artery Surgery Study Score (CASSS) and SYNTAX score. Hair Si concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Associations with demographic, clinical, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters were analyzed using non-parametric tests and multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Results: Median hair Si concentration was 21.3 ppm (range: 0.7-211.0). Hair Si levels showed no significant differences across CAD severity assessed by CASSS (H = 2.51; p = 0.47) or SYNTAX score (r = 0.079; p = 0.37). Similarly, no differences were observed between patients with stable angina and those presenting with acute coronary syndrome (p = 0.57) or between individuals with and without prior myocardial infarction. Hair Si concentration was unrelated to age, BMI, cardiovascular risk factors, lipid profile, or systemic inflammatory indices (all p > 0.2). Conclusions: Hair silicon concentration was not associated with CAD severity, phenotype, or systemic inflammation, sugges

Cisplatin (CDDP), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is limited by severe ototoxicity side effects. Local drug delivery via the middle ear represents the most effective approach for treating inner ear disease. However, therapeutic efficacy is constrained by poor middle ear retention and limited permeability across the round window membrane (RWM). Quercetin (QU) exhibits potent activity against CDDP-induced cytotoxicity but suffers from delivery challenges. To address this, we developed amino-functionalized mesoporous silica

Sustainable agriculture requires minimizing resource inputs while maximizing the outputs. Here, we report that rationally engineered Fenton-like CuO@SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), as a seed priming agent (20 mg/L, 24 h), concurrently enhanced drought tolerance and phosphorus (P) acquisition efficiency of maize, a climate vulnerable staple crop. Importantly, life cycle field pot trials reveal that CuO@SiO2 NPs seed priming increased the grain yield by 9.3% and 16.6%, respectively, under normal and drought conditions, compared to the hydropriming control. This enhanced drought-resilience and yield were attributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-intensified root system architecture (RSA) plasticity, including enhanced root hair density, deeper primary root, and prolific lateral root branching. RNA-seq revealed the activation of genes related to RSA modulation (PLA2, PG, and EXP), P/N/S uptake and assimilation (PHT, NRT, NR, NiR, and SULTR), and drought tolerance (ELIP, LEA, and DRP) in CuO@SiO2 NPs-primed seeds. Additionally, seed priming altered the seed m

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to use electrokinetic analysis to investigate the deposition behaviour and conditioning efficacy of cationic surfactants on human hair, focusing on how surfactant structure, concentration and hair damage influence performance. It also aims to understand the mechanisms governing surfactant adsorption and their impact on hair manageability and health. METHODS: This research employed streaming potential measurements-including pH-dependent, time-dependent and concentration-dependent zeta (ζ)-potential studies-alongside wet combing analyses and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to evaluate the adsorption affinity and conditioning effects of four cationic surfactants: behentrimonium chloride (BTMC), behentrimonium methosulfate (BTMS), hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and stearylalkonium chloride (STAC). A simplified model surface using silicon oxide (Si | SiO2) wafers was also utilized to isolate the influence of hair's natural variability and fibrous structure. RESULTS: Longer-chain surfactants like BTMC showed superior deposition and conditioning due to stronger van der Waals interactions, while bulky groups in STAC hindered deposition. BTMC outperformed BTMS, likely due to the chloride counterion's higher mobility. BTMC and BTMS were superior against CTAC and STAC

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202605000-00040/figure1/v/2025-10-21T121913Z/r/image-tiff Peripheral nerve defect repair is a complex process that involves multiple cell types; perineurial cells play a pivotal role. Hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote perineurial cell proliferation and migration via paracrine signaling; however, their clinical applications are limited by potential risks such as tumorigenesis and xenogeneic immune rejection, which are similar to the risks associated with other stem cell transplantations. The present study therefore focuses on small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells, which preserve the bioactive properties of the parent cells while avoiding the transplantation-associated risks. In vitro , small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, tube formation, and barrier function of perineurial cells, and subsequently upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, in a rat model of sciatic nerve defects bridged with silicon tubes, treatment with small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells resulted in higher tight junction protein expression in perineurial cells, thus facilitating neural tissue regeneration. At 10 weeks post-surgery, rats treated with

Silicon plays a vital role in plant physiology. Although the silicon transport mechanisms in monocots are well characterized, the molecular basis of silicon deposition in dicots remains elusive. Fruit bloom, an off-white substance covering the fruit surface and affecting its appearance, is crucial for the market-driven breeding and production of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus). However, the mechanisms regulating fruit bloom formation are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying silicon deposition in glandular trichomes (GTs) and GT's role in fruit bloom formation. Using map-based cloning, we identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism in CsaV3_3G017280, encoding a homolog of the rice (Oryza sativa) silicon efflux transporter Low Silicon Rice 2 (Lsi2), causing a premature translation termination mutation linked to the nonfruit-bloom phenotype. Knocking out CsLsi2 prevented silicon deposition on the fruit surface, leading to a nonfruit-bloom phenotype. The MYB transcription factor CsRAX3 directly activated CsLsi2, and the GT de

The skin, the body's largest organ, functions as both a protective shield and a complex sensory interface with the external environment. Its structural integrity and physiological functions are influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors, often manifesting as wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation changes. Among the crucial determinants of skin health are trace elements, particularly zinc, copper, iron, selenium, manganese, and silicon, which are vital for maintaining skin homeostasis, suppo

Random skin flaps are commonly used to cover thick skin wounds. However, necrosis frequently occurs when the flap's aspect ratio exceeds 2:1. Promoting angiogenesis and regulating inflammation are essential for treating ischemia-reperfusion injury in random flaps. In this study, calcium-doped silica nanoparticles loaded with deferoxamine (CD) were created through physical adsorption by rapidly mixing biodegradable calcium-doped silica nanoparticles (CS) with deferoxamine (DFO). A gelatin methacryloyl (GM) hydrogel nanofiber scaffold containing 1% (w/v) CD (GM/CD-1) was subsequently produced using electrospinning technology. The GM/CD-1 scaffold showed excellent biocompatibility and significantly promoted flap regeneration in mice, achieving a 96.17 ± 3.17% flap survival rate at 14 days. Additionally, it effectively stimulated hair follicle growth and exhibited an inflammatory-modulating effect. These features suggest that the GM/CD-1 scaffold could be valuable for clinical applications in flap regeneration and other tissue engineering fields. © 2025 The Wound Healing Society.