Predictive Model of Nail Consistency Using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray.

Esther Mingorance Álvarez,Ana Mª Pérez Pico,Raquel Mayordomo,Rodrigo Martínez Quintana

doi:10.3390/biology10010053

Esther Mingorance Álvarez, Ana Mª Pérez Pico + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10010053

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Journal: Biology	Publication Date: Jan 12, 2021
Citations: 4	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Extremadura, Hospital Virgen del Puerto

Abstract

Simple SummaryScanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) is a useful technique to analyse elemental composition in the nail plate. The dorsal, intermediate, and ventral layers are differentiated by the levels of the elements present in each layer. The level of calcium in the dorsal layer is the main predictive variable in calculating the predictive model of consistency. This model will provide further knowledge of the factors that determine nail consistency in individuals and help health professionals to better understand nail characteristics and objectively determine nail consistency.The nail plate is made up of tightly packed keratin-rich cells. Factors such as the special distribution of the intermediate filaments in each layer (dorsal, intermediate, and ventral), the relative thickness of the layers, and their chemical composition define the characteristics of each nail. The main objective of this study is to determine nail consistency by calculating a predictive model based on elemental composition analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Nail consistency was determined in 57 participants (29 women and 28 men) in two age groups (young people and adults). Elemental composition was analysed in each layer using scanning SEM-EDS, and nail plate thickness was measured by image analysis. A total of 12 elements were detected in nail plates, of which carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, and calcium showed significant differences between layers (p-values ≤ 0.01). The level of calcium in the dorsal layer was the main predictive variable in calculating the predictive model of consistency, with 75.4% correctly classified cases. Elemental analysis in each layer of the nail plate by SEM-EDS can be used to develop a predictive model of nail consistency that will help health professionals to objectively determine nail consistency.

Highlights

The human nail apparatus is a structure of epidermal origin located on the dorsal plane of the distal phalanges of toes and fingers
The proximal fold is located on the nail matrix and continues to the cuticle, the translucent stratum corneum that secures the proximal fold to the nail plate, while the lateral nail folds border both sides, providing support to the structure and guiding the correct growth of the nail plate
As a first step in the study of nail consistency, the main objective of this study was to determine nail consistency through a predictive model developed using elemental composition data obtained in healthy toenails

Summary

Introduction

The human nail apparatus is a structure of epidermal origin located on the dorsal plane of the distal phalanges of toes and fingers. The anatomy of the human nail apparatus has been widely studied, and in addition to the nail plate, it comprises periungual soft tissues, with vascularisation and innervation [1,2,3]. Both the proximal nail fold and the two lateral nail folds are cutaneous folds situated in the most proximal region and on both sides of the nail plate, respectively. The nail bed is the pink area under the nail plate, to which it is strongly attached It goes from the distal end of the nail matrix or lunula to the hyponychium and contains the onychodermal band. The nail plate is the slightly curved structure that covers the dorsal surface of the distal digit, which it protects [1,2,3,4,5] (Figure 1)

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