Background The peptide microarray is a novel assay which facilitates high-throughput screening of peptides with a small quantity of sample. Objective We sought to use overlapping peptides of milk allergenic proteins as a model system to establish a reliable and sensitive peptide microarray-based immunoassay for large scale epitope mapping of food allergens. Methods A milk peptide microarray was developed using commercially synthesized peptides (20-mers, 3 offset) covering the primary sequences of αs1-, αs2-, β-, and κ-caseins, and β-lactoglobulin. Conditions for printing and immunolabeling were optimized using a serum pool of five milk-allergic patients. Reproducibility of the milk peptide microarray was evaluated using replicate arrays immunolabeled with the serum pool, whereas specificity and sensitivity were assessed using serial dilution of the serum pool and a peptide inhibition assay. Results Our results show that epitopes identified by the peptide microarray were mostly consistent with those identified previously by SPOT membrane technology, but with specific binding to a few newly identified epitopes of milk allergens. Data from replicate arrays were reproducible (R≥0.92) regardless of printing lots, immunolabeling and serum pool batches. Using the serially diluted serum pool, we confirmed that IgE antibody binding detected in the array was specific. Peptide inhibition of IgE binding to the same peptide and overlapping peptides further confirmed the specificity of the array. Conclusions A reliable peptide microarray was established for large scale IgE epitope mapping of milk allergens and this robust technology could be applied for epitope mapping of other food allergens.

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The field of hair disorders is constantly growing. The most important hair diseases are divided in non‐ cicatricial and cicatricial ones. Non‐cicatricial alopecia are more frequent than cicatricial alopecia. The first step is to obtain a good history and physical examination. Laboratory testing is often unnecessary, while trichoscopy is fundamental for all hair diseases. Scalp biopsy is strongly suggested in cicatricial alopecia and in doubtful cases. Androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania are common causes of non‐ cicatricial alopecia. Frontal fibrosing alopecia, discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planopilaris, follicullitis decalvans are some of the most common forms of cicatricial hair loss. Many treatments are available, and a prompt diagnosis is very important for the prognosis.

Background Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 may be useful disease markers and prognostic indicators. Recently, post-infectious telogen effluvium and trichodynia have also been reported. Objective To evaluate the presence of trichodynia and telogen effluvium in patients with COVID-19 and describe their characteristics in relation to other signs and symptoms of the disease. Methods Patients with a history of COVID-19 presenting to the clinics of a group of hair experts because of telogen effluvium and/or scalp symptoms, were questioned with regards about their hair signs and symptoms in relation to the severity of COVID-19 and associated symptoms. Results Data from 128 patients were collected. Telogen effluvium was observed in 66.3% of patients and trichodynia in 58.4%. Trichodynia was associated to telogen effluvium in 42.4% of cases and was associated to anosmia and ageusia in 66.1% and 44.1% of cases, respectively. In the majority of patients (62.5%), hair signs and symptoms started within the first month post-COVID-19 diagnosis and in 47.8% of patients after 12 weeks or more. Limitations Recruitment of patient in specialized hair clinics, lack of a control group, and lack of recording of patient comorbidities. Conclusion The severity of the post-viral telogen effluvium observed in patients with a history of COVID-19 infection is influenced by COVID-19 severity. We identified an early onset (<4 weeks) and a late onset (>12 weeks) telogen effluvium.