New Plant Extracts Exert Complementary Anti-Hair Loss Properties in Human In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models.

Background: Hair loss is linked to dysfunction of the growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and rest (telogen) phases of the hair follicle (HF) cycle.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of a Silybum marianum extract (SME), manganese PCA (MnPCA), and a Lespedeza capitata extract (LCE) on markers of hair growth and anchorage in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), and to investigate the ability of a topical serum containing these active ingredients to improve HF growth in an ex vivo human scalp skin model.

Methods: In HFDPCs, we assessed receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation; quantified versican, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Dickkopf-1 (DDK1) secretion; and evaluated 5α-reductase (5αR) activity.

Preclinical pharmacology of patient-derived extracellular vesicles for the intraoperative imaging of tumors.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the plasma of oncological patients exhibit significant tumor-targeting properties, unlike those from healthy individuals. We have previously shown the feasibility of formulating the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) with patient-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) for selective delivery to neoplastic tissue. This staining protocol holds promise for clinical application in intraoperative tumor margin imaging, enabling precise neoplastic tissue resection.

Comparing single- and multi-post labeling delays for the measurements of resting cerebral and hippocampal blood flow for cerebrovascular testing in midlife adults.

Objectives: To assess the reliability and validity of measuring resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) and hippocampal CBF using a single-post-labeling delay (PLD) and a multi-PLD pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) protocol for cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) testing.

Methods: 25 healthy, midlife adults (57 ± 4 years old) were imaged in a Siemens Prisma 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Resting CBF and hippocampal CBF were assessed using two pCASL protocols, our modified single-PLD protocol (pCASL-MOD) to accommodate the needs for CVR testing and the multi-PLD Human Connectome Project (HCP) Lifespan protocol to serve as the reference control (pCASL-HCP).

Neutron instrument concepts for a high intensity moderator at the European spallation source.

In the course of the Horizon 2020 project HighNESS, a second moderator concept has been developed for the European Spallation Source, which complements the currently built moderator and is optimized for high intensity with a large viewable surface area. In this work we introduce conceptual designs for neutron instruments for condensed matter research designed to make optimal use of the capabilities of this moderator. The focus is on two concepts for small-angle neutron scattering and one neutron imaging instrument, which are intended to complement corresponding instruments that are already under construction at the European Spallation Source.

Unveiling the acute neurophysiological responses to strength training: An exploratory study on novices performing weightlifting bouts with different motor learning models.

Currently, there is limited evidence regarding various neurophysiological responses to strength exercise and the influence of the adopted practice schedule. This study aimed to assess the acute systemic effects of snatch training bouts, employing different motor learning models, on skill efficiency, electric brain activity (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), and perceived exertion as well as mental demand in novices. In a within-subject design, sixteen highly active males (mean age: 23.