Alopecia in Harlequin mutant mice is associated with reduced AIF protein levels and expression of retroviral elements

We investigated the contribution of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, in supporting hair growth. We report that pelage abnormalities developed during hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis in Harlequin (Hq) mutant mice. Fragility of the hair cortex was associated with decreased expression of genes encoding structural hair proteins, though key transcriptional regulators of HF development were expressed at normal levels. Notably, Aifm1 (R200 del) knockin males and Aifm1(R200 del)/Hq females showed minor hair defects, despite substantially reduced AIF levels. Furthermore, we cloned the integrated ecotropic provirus of the Aifm1Hq allele. We found that its overexpression in wild-type keratinocyte cell lines led to down-regulation of HF-specific Krt84 and Krtap3-3 genes without altering Aifm1 or epidermal Krt5 expression. Together, our findings imply that pelage paucity in Hq mutant mice is mechanistically linked to severe AIF deficiency and is associated with the expression of retroviral elements that might potentially influence the transcriptional regulation of structural hair proteins.

Pestalotioid fungi: A rare agent of onychomycosis among agriculture workers

Background and Purpose: Pestalotioid fungi are ubiquitous environmental molds that have received considerable attention in recent times not only because of their role as a plant pathogen but also owing to their high frequency of retrieval from human diseases. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to investigate onychomycosis caused by pestalotioid fungi, commonly considered important phytopathogens causing grey blight disease in Camellia sinensis. Materials and Methods: A total of 122 agriculture workers were enrolled from Assam, India. Direct microscopic examination was carried out using 40% KOH to determine the presence of any fungal element. Further processing of the specimens for the isolation of fungi was performed using the standard protocol. In addition, the keratinolytic potential of the isolates was evaluated by means of the in vitro hair perforation test. Results: Out of 103 culture-positive samples, non-dermatophyte and dermatophyte molds constituted 82.52% (n=85) and 6.79% (n=7) of the samples, followed by yeasts (n=1, 0.9%) and sterile hyphae (n=10, 9.7%). With regard to the isolated non-dermatophyte molds (82.69%), 4 cases belonged to pestalotioid fungi, such as Neopestalotiopsis piceana (n=1), Pestalotiopsis species (n=1), and Pseudopestalotiopsis theae (n=2). The keratinolytic activity of Pestalotiopsis species showed perforation by disrupting the hair cortex; furthermore, macroconidia were found to be present inside the human hair. Conclusion: A high rate of NDM isolation may be attributed to constant exposure to adverse environmental and occupational hazards. This study highlighted the importance of “pestalotioid fungi” as the rare etiologic agent of onychomycosis. Another remarkable finding was the keratinolytic potential of Pestalotiopsis species, which is unique in this study.

ZINC IN THE RATIONS OF CALVES

According to the Tambovagrochemcenter data, zinc deficiency in animal rations exceeds 33%. To de-termine the efficiency of ration additives 3 groups of calves were formed, one of which was control and received regular feed, first test group received additional Zinc Sulphate, and second test group received additional Zinc Bioplex. To assess the results, we take into account the following values: chemical com-position and nutritional values of the feed, body mass value, amount of immunoglobulins in blood, bio-chemical and hematological values of blood, morphological values of fur and skin. Noticeable results were achieved in 4 months, with first and second test groups receiving accordingly 3,15% and 6,13% more body mass increase over the control group. A tendency towards higher albumin concentration in both test groups was noted, and calves of the second test group had higher amounts of hemoglobin and higher concentrations of it per erythrocyte. In samples of epidermis and hairs of the second test group the papillary layer was well developed, with the amount of hair and hair follicles exceeding 7 in the field of view, with the thickness of hairs being at least 70 μm. Inner papilla of hair contained 6 to 8 layers of hair, thickness of awn hairs reaching 80-90 μm, down hairs reaching 40 μm, with the hair cortex making up more than 80% of the hair thickness. Thus, introducing zinc salts and chelated zinc compounds to the milk-fed calves’ ration, has resulted in monetary profit increases over the control group by 255,0 and 612,0 roubles accordingly. By all researched values, the highest results were reached from adding zinc bioplex with approximately 360 mg added per animal for the entire duration of the growth process.

The Diagnostic Value of Ultrasonography in a Case of Unusual Pilomatrixoma

Introduction:Pilomatrixoma or pilomatricoma is a benign appendageal growth, originating from hair cortex cells.Case presentation:We present an unusual case of a 65-year-old female patient who has been diagnosed and treated for a presumed recurrent furunculosis localized on the abdominal area. Ultrasonography raised the suspicion of pilomatrixoma. A large excision was performed and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis.Conclusions:Ultrasonography could be a simple and reliable diagnostic tool in daily practice.

Nutritional components can influence hair coat colouration in white dogs

SummaryHair colouration in animals is controlled primarily by inherited factors, with a complex set of genes and genetic variants determining phenotypic expression. The colours in the hair shaft are created initially by the melanocyte cells within the hair bulb which produce and secrete two types of melanin into the hair cortex, black eumelanin and brown pheomelanin. Together these two pigments are responsible for creating the considerable diversity of colour seen in hair across the animal kingdom. In the absence of melanins the hair remains translucent, appearing white to the eye. Colour, or absence thereof, can only be imparted on a hair during its ‘anagen’ or growing phase. During the telogen (resting) phase the colour of the hair is relatively constant, notwithstanding effects of environmental influences such as UV in sunlight, or staining agents. A further environmental factor is nutrition. The intensity of black in the hair of both cats and dogs is known to be influenced by the dietary intake of certain amino acids such as phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr). However the role of nutrition in hair pigmentation is generally poorly understood. This trial investigated the impact of diet on the commonly observed red discolouration of white coat in dogs. Two panels of 13 Swiss White Shepherd dogs were fed diets containing different concentrations of Phe + Tyr (test diet containing 3.02 g/Mcal versus control 4.82 g/Mcal) and copper (test diet containing 8.93 ppm versus control 13.28 ppm) for four months. Coat colouration was assessed via spectrophotometry using the CIE Lab colour space system (International Commission on Illumination). Dogs fed the reduced Phe + Tyr and copper showed significantly less red coat pigmentation (a* parameter) by the end of the feeding study (P < 0.02). It was concluded that the level of Phe + Tyr not only affects black but also white coat in dogs. Diet can therefore exert an influence on multiple aspects of coat pigmentation.

Effect of Stretching Slenderization Treatment for Microstructure of Yak Hair

The changes on microstructure, including cortical cell structure, density and degree of crystalline, of yak hair fiber have been analyzed after the stretching slenderization in this paper. It was found that the cortical cell has been elongated and became thinner, which average length-diameter ratio could be raised from 18 to about 40. By means of ultrasonic separation technology, the effect of stretching on packing action of fiber cortical cells has been investigated. It was proved that the stretching slenderization would improve the structure of yak hair cortex, and cortical cells were packed tighter along the fiber. The density and degree of crystalline also increased as raise of stretching rate. At the same time, the results form tensile test indicated that the fiber physical property would be improved through stretching treatment.