Feature-Based Molecular Networks Identification of Bioactive Metabolites from Three Plants of the Polynesian Cosmetopoeia Targeting the Dermal Papilla Cells of the Hair Cycle

The term cosmetopoeia refers to the use of plants in folks’ cosmetics. The aerial parts of Bidens pilosa L., the leaves of Calophyllum inophyllum L. and the fruits of Fagraea berteroana A.Gray ex Benth are traditionally used in French Polynesia for hair and skin care. During the hair cycle, dermal papilla cells and their interaction with epithelial cells are essential to promote hair follicle elongation. The aim of our investigations was the identification of metabolites from these three plants and chemical families responsible for their hair growth activity. A bioactivity-based molecular network was produced by mapping the correlation between features obtained from LC-MS/MS data and dermal papilla cell proliferation, using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The analyses pointed out glycosylated flavonols and phenolic acids from B. pilosa and C. inophyllum, along with C-flavonoids, iridoids and secoiridoids from F. berteroana, as potential bioactive molecules involved in the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells. Our results highlight the metabolites of the plant species potentially involved in the induction of hair follicle growth and support the traditional uses of these plants in hair care.     

Bulge cells of human hair follicles: segregation, cultivation and properties

The bulge region of hair follicle has been reported as a putative reservoir of hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) for years; however, few studies were done about the characteristics of bulge-originated cells in vitro up to now. In this experiment, the bulge cells isolated from human hair follicles by enzymatic digestion and microdissection were cultured and passaged, and the morphological and biological features of cultured bulge cells were investigated by microscopy and immunocytochemistry. The result showed that new-proliferated cells could be observed on the second day after inoculation, and the quantity of the cells with a greater proliferation potential, reached a peak at the 6th day and maintained this higher level for several days. The mitotic figures of bulge cells were seen and these cells showed undifferentiated morphologic features. The bulge cells strongly expressed K19 and beta1-integrin, which are the markers of HFSC, in a descensive way with the culture time. The result indicates that the cultured bulge cell from human hair follicle possesses the properties of primitive cells and supports the hypothesis that HFSC resides in the bulge area.     

Recent Trends in Macromolecule-Based Approaches for Hair Loss Treatment

Macromolecules are large, complex molecules composed of smaller subunits known as monomers. The four primary categories of macromolecules found in living organisms are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids; they also encompass a broad range of natural and synthetic polymers. Recent studies have shown that biologically active macromolecules can help regenerate hair, providing a potential solution for current hair regeneration therapies. This review examines the latest developments in the use of macromolecules for the treatment of hair loss. The fundamental principles of hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis, hair shaft (HS) development, hair cycle regulation, and alopecia have been introduced. Microneedle (MN) and nanoparticle (NP) delivery systems are innovative treatments for hair loss. Additionally, the application of macromolecule-based tissue-engineered scaffolds for the in vitro and in vivo neogenesis of HFs is discussed. Furthermore, a new research direction is explored wherein artificial skin platforms are adopted as a promising screening method for hair loss treatment drugs. Through these multifaceted approaches, promising aspects of macromolecules for future hair loss treatments are identified.     

Calculating the True and Observed Rates of Complex Heterogeneous Catalytic Reactions

Equations of the theory of steady-state complex reactions are considered in matrix form. A set of stage stationarity equations is given, and an algorithm is described for deriving the canonic set of stationarity equations with appropriate corrections for the existence of fast stages in a mechanism. A formula for calculating the number of key compounds is presented. The applicability of the Gibbs rule to estimating the number of independent compounds in a complex reaction is analyzed. Some matrix equations relating the rates of dependent and key substances are derived. They are used as a basis to determine the general diffusion stoichiometry relationships between temperature, the concentrations of dependent reaction participants, and the concentrations of key reaction participants in a catalyst grain. An algorithm is described for calculating heat and mass transfer in a catalyst grain with respect to arbitrary complex heterogeneous catalytic reactions.     

A rapid and simple method for the determination of trace metals in hair samples by atomic absorption spectrometry

Acid digestion procedures are described for the dissolution of human head hair in routine determinations of cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead and zinc in the same sample solution by means of atomic absorption spectrometry. The techniques employed are atomization in a Massman graphite furnace or in an air—acetylene flame; the cold-vapor cell is used for mercury. The entire analytical procedure is tested with powdered homogenized head hair samples, previously analyzed by other analytical techniques. Comparison of the results demonstrates that the proposed technique is at least as precise and accurate as the other procedures used.     

NAA for study of organohalogen levels in placenta, umbilical cord and hair of mothers with disabled newborns

The concentrations of extractable organohalogens (EOX) and extractable persistent organohalogens (EPOX) in placenta, umbilical cord and hair of mothers delivering disabled or normal newborns as well as the compositions of EPOCl in three analyzed matrices were determined by a combination of NAA, gas chromatography and chemical separation. The results indicated that both EOX and EPOX decreased in the order: hair > umbilical cord > placenta. Organochlorines were the major fraction of organohalogens. More than 77% of EPOCl were unidentified. High organohalogens exposure may induce adverse health effects, and hair, as a biomonitor for organohalogens assessment, is more recommendable.     

What is dietary fiber?

Dietary fiber consists of the remnants of the edible plant cell, polysaccharides, lignin, and associated substances resistant to digestion (hydrolysis) by human alimentary enzymes. This physiological definition has been translated into a chemical method (AOAC Method 985.29), which has recently been shown to miss substances of 10, 11, and 12 degrees of polymerization. It also fails to precipitate some hydrolysis-resistant oligosaccharides which contain many physiological properties expected in dietary fiber, such as inulin and oligofructose, indigestible dextrin (Fibersol-2), galactooligosaccharides and the synthetic polymer polydextrose. The Executive Board of the American Association of Cereal Chemists has appointed a committee to explore the possibility of expanding the definition or chemical methodology for dietary fiber to accommodate components that are not hydrolyzed by human alimentary enzymes, yet have the physiological attributes normally associated with dietary fiber. However, the present review suggests that the current definition is sufficient, along with new methodology, to detect recently discovered components of the dietary fiber complex.     

Surface architecture of the plant cell: biogenesis of the cell wall, with special emphasis on the role of the plasma membrane in cellulose biosynthesis.

Cell wall structure and biogenesis in the unicellular green alga, Oocystis apiculata, is described. The wall consists of an outer amorphous primary layer and an inner secondary layer of highly organized cellulosic microfibrils. The primary wall is deposited immediately after cytokinesis. Golgi-derived products contribute to this layer. Cortical microtubules underlie the plasma membrane immediately before and during primary wall formation. They function in maintaining the elliptical cell shape. Following primary wall synthesis, Golgi-derived materials accumulate on the cell surface to form the periplasmic layer. This layer functions in the deposition of coating and cross-linking substances which associate with cellulosic microfibrils of the incipient secondary wall. Secondary wall microfibrils are assembled in association with the plasma membrane. Freeze-etch preparations of untreated, living cells reveal linear terminal complexes in association with growing cellulosic microfibrils. These complexes are embedded in the EF fracture face of the plasma membrane. The newly synthesized microfibril lies in a groove of the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. The groove is decorated on the EF fracture face by perpendicular structures termed "ridges". The ridges interlink with definitive rows of particles associated withe PF fracture face of the innter leaflet of the plasma membrane. These particles are termed "granule bands", and they function in the orientation of the newly synthesized microfibrils. Microfibril development in relation to a coordinated multienzyme complex is discussed. The process of cell wall biogenesis in Oocystis is compared to that in higher plants.     

Nafion-PAN optical chemical sensor: optimization by FIA

A copper-sensitive optical chemical sensor (optrode) is described. The optrode is based on a Nafion membrane and an immobilized organic ligand coupled with a flow injection (FI) system. The FI system includes a flow-through removable measuring cell and a simple spectrophotometer. Owing to the miniature size of the system and the efficient use of optical fibers, this optrode is well suited for monitoring environmental water samples. The success of the described optrode system depends on the effectiveness of the FI reagent delivery system. Optimum contact time with the membrane (as determined by the reagent flow rates) and the injected sample volume are critical. Environmental water samples were analyzed for copper content using the optimized optrode system. To validate the optrode's performance, the same water samples were analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer.     

A semi-empirical approach for predicting the performance of mixed matrix membranes containing selective flakes

A successful model for mixed matrix membrane performance must address the complex geometry of the problem and accurately treat the diffusion behavior of the host–guest systems being considered. Detailed calculations based on the Maxwell–Stefan equations provide a widely accepted means of treating the diffusion of gases within zeolites. However, a full numerical solution of these equations for a complex mixed matrix membrane geometry does not offer the convenience and transparency that comes with an analytical treatment. At the same time, existing analytical equations which were formulated specifically to address mixed matrix geometry do so under the assumption of very simplistic models for diffusion. Here, an approach is presented for predicting the permeability and selectivity of mixed matrix membranes containing zeolite flakes that combines well-known analytical expressions for mixed matrix membrane performance with Maxwell–Stefan modeling for zeolite diffusion. The constant permeabilities required by the analytical models are calculated by the Maxwell–Stefan equations as a function of operating conditions, and these calculated effective permeabilities are used to predict mixed matrix membrane performance at corresponding operating conditions. The method is illustrated through two case studies: normal- and iso-butane separation by a membrane containing silicalite-1 flakes and carbon dioxide/methane separation by membranes containing CHA-type zeolites. Predictions are compared to experimental results found in the literature for both cases. Also, the applicability of the Maxwell and Cussler analytical models for mixed matrix membrane performance is explored as a function of flake loading and aspect ratio.     

STUDY ON WAYS OF FORCING INTERCELLULAR CYTOPLASM AND CHROMATIN MIGRATION TO TRANSFER EXTERNAL GENETIC SUBSTANCES TO PLANT CELLS BY ARTIFICIAL MOTIVE FORCE

A new cell engineering technique (L. B. technique) was established in our Lab. At first, the physical and chemical methods were used to facilitate the reestablishment of intercellular contacts and plasmodesma channels between different parents, thus forcing cytoplasm and chromatin to pass the cell wall with different qualities and quantities from one cell to others, through the enlarged intercellular plasmodesma channels or the vulnerable regions and the holes on the cell wall formed differently in growth and thickness in the process of cell wall formation to introduce external genetic substances or gene groups into plant cells. There are different ways, frequencies and strengths for the migration between the cells in different growth and development regions or the same growth and development region. In this paper we advance the mechanism of cytoplasm and chromatin migration through the cell wall: There are a large number of plasmodesma channels or vulnerable regions and holes different in growth and th     

The preparation, properties and application of carbon fibers for SPME

The conditions of preparation of new types of carbon fibers for solid phase micro extraction (SPME) prepared by methylene chloride pyrolysis (at 600 °C) on the quartz fiber (100 μm) as well as by supporting synthetic active carbon (prepared especially for this purposes) supported in a special epoxide-acrylic polymer is described. The properties of such carbon fibers for SPME were defined by determination of the partition coefficient of the tested substances (i.e., benzene, toluene, xylenes, trichloromethane and tetrachloromethane) and by the microscopic investigations with the application of the optical and scanning electron microscope.

The obtained carbon SPME fibers were applied to the analysis of some volatile organic compounds from its aqueous matrix. During chromatographic GC test, at the investigated SPME carbon fibers, we obtained different but mostly high partition coefficients for the determined compounds (Kfs from 120 for trichloromethane up to 11,500 for tetrachloromethane).

Owing to the high partition coefficients of the studied substances obtained on carbon fibers, it was possible to do the analysis of organic substances occurring in trace amounts in different matrices. In this paper, we present the analysis of BTX contents in the petrol analyzed with the application carbonized with CH₂Cl₂ SPME fiber (C1NM) and a headspace over the petrol sample (concentration of each BTX g/dm³).     

Extraction spectrophotometric determination of selenium(IV) with J acid in environmental samples

A new simple and sensitive method for the extraction and spectrophotometric determination of selenium(IV) is described. Selenium(IV) is reacted with J acid (6-ANSA) to form a butanol extractable complex with maximum absorbance of 520 nm. Beer's law is obeyed in the range of 0.03-0.3 mg/l. of selenium. Molar absorptivity and Sandell's sensitivity are found to be 18.5 +/- (0.1) x 10(3) l. mol(-1). cm(-1) and 0.004 microg/cm(2), respectively. The analytical parameters were optimized and the method applied for the determination of selenium in polluted water, soil, dust, hair and plant materials. The method is compared with other reported methods and found to be superior to many of the reported methods.     

Techniques of signal generation required for electropermeabilization. Survey of electropermeabilization devices

Electropermeabilization is a phenomenon that transiently increases permeability of the cell plasma membrane. In the state of high permeability, the plasma membrane allows ions, small and large molecules to be introduced into the cytoplasm, although the cell plasma membrane represents a considerable barrier for them in its normal state. Besides introduction of various substances to cell cytoplasm, permeabilized cell membrane allows cell fusion or insertion of proteins to the cell membrane. Efficiency of all these applications strongly depends on parameters of electric pulses that are delivered to the treated object using specially developed electrodes and electronic devices--electroporators. In this paper we present and compare most commonly used techniques of signal generation required for electropermeabilization. In addition, we present an overview of commercially available electroporators and electroporation systems that were described in accessible literature.     

The effect of internal lipids on the water sorption kinetics of keratinised tissues

Water has a large influence on the properties of keratinised tissues. The water diffusion properties of keratinised tissues are known to be governed by the cell membrane complex, which is mainly composed of internal lipids. The main aim of this work was to characterise the differences in the water sorption and desorption behaviour of human hair and stratum corneum (SC) both with and without internal lipids. Absorption and desorption curves were obtained using a thermogravimetric balance equipped with a controlled humidity chamber. The results demonstrate that the role of the intercellular lipids in the SC is more marked than in hair, which is likely due to the greater amount of lipids present in its structure. Therefore, lipid structures in the SC are essential both to prevent changes in the water-holding capacity of the skin and to maintain the water permeability of the SC.     

对藏族、回族、蒙古族、维吾尔族、哈萨克族和满族人发中7种微量元素的聚类分析

用等离子体发射光谱法对中国藏族、回族、蒙古族、维吾尔族和哈萨克族人发中的钙、镁、铁、锰、铜、锌、镉7种微量元素的含量进行了测定，对满族、蒙古族和维吾尔族3个民族，对藏族、回族、蒙古族、维吾尔族和哈萨克族5个民族进行了聚类分析，两组中每个民族基本上聚为一类，误判率分别小于10％和5％，说明上述民族的头发中7种元素含量的综合水平存在着较显著的差别。     

青海世居土族、藏族和回族人发中微量元素的人工神经网络研究

用原子吸收光谱法对青海土族、藏族和回族青年人体头发中的Ca、Fe、Zn、Cu、Mg、Mn和Cd等7种元素的含量进行了测定,采用概率神经网络方法进行了比较研究。研究表明,在3个民族的人发之间,7种元素含量的综合水平存在着较显著的差别,概率神经网络方法可以用于对这3个民族样品进行判别和预测,其预测结果优于F isher法或Bayes法。     

A fast screening MALDI method for the detection of cocaine and its metabolites in hair

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry was used for the rapid detection of cocaine, benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene in hair. Different MALDI sample preparation procedures have been tested and the employment of a multi-layer 'graphite-sample-electrosprayed alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCCA)' yielded the best results for standard solutions of the target analytes. The same approach was subsequently applied to hair samples that were known to contain cocaine, benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene, as determined by a classical GC-MS method. It was however necessary to extract hair samples by incubating them in methanol/trifluoroacetic acid for a short time (15 min) at 45 degrees C; 1 microl of the obtained supernatant was deposed on a metal surface treated with graphite, and HCCA was electrosprayed on it. This procedure successfully suppressed matrix peaks and was effective in detecting all the target analytes as their protonated species. The results obtained give further confirmation of the effectiveness of the MALDI for detecting drugs and their metabolites in complex biological matrices. The method can be useful as a fast screening procedure to detect the presence of cocaine and metabolites in hair samples.