Examination Of Hair Research Articles

ОЦЕНКА СОДЕРЖАНИЯ ХИМИЧЕСКИХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ В ВОЛОСАХ У ДЕТЕЙ ОТ 1 ГОДА ДО 4 ЛЕТ МЕТОДОМ АТОМНО-ЭМИССИОННОЙ СПЕКТРОСКОПИИ

Background. Monitoring of the chemical elements sufficiency in younger preschoolers in order to optimize methods for its correction is of great scientific and practical significance. Objective. To assess the chemical elements sufficiency in children aged 1 to 4 years, permanently residing in the western regions of Belarus, Grodno. Material and methods. The questionnaire, clinical examination and elemental composition analysis of hair using atomic emission spectrometry was carried out in 60 children aged 1 to 4 who attend preschool educational institutions in Grodno. Results. Disturbances in the elemental composition of hair in 49% of examined children have been revealed. Pronounced imbalance of microelement status was revealed: deficiency of selenium, zinc, cobalt, iron, chromium and magnesium, with an excess of calcium, manganese, copper, lead, cadmium and nickel. Conclusion. The obtained data can be used for early detection of disturbances of chemical elements sufficiency in younger preschoolers and the development of preventive measures for its correction, which will contribute to reduction of overall morbidity.

Evaluation of hair surface structure and morphology of patients with lichen planopilaris (LPP) by atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a chronic lymphocytic skin disease manifested by progressive scarring alopecia. The diagnosis of LPP is made based on histopathological examination, although it is not always definite. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of non-invasive atomic force microscopy (AFM) hair examination in detecting morphological differences between healthy and diseased hair. Here, three to five hairs from lesional skin of 10 LPP patients were collected and examined at nine locations using AFM. At least four images were taken at each of the nine sites. Metric measurements were taken and metric (length, width, and scale step height) and morphological features (striated and smooth surface of scales, the presence of endocuticle and cortex, shape of scales edges, scratches, pitting, cracks, globules, and wavy edge) were compared with hair from healthy controls. In addition, areas on diseased hair where the process of pathological, unnatural delamination of the hair fiber occurs are described. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of scratches in the initial sections of the LPP hair, in the intensity of wavy edges along the entire length of the tested hair, and in the number of scales with pitting in the middle section of the hair. In addition, a statistically significant higher number of scales with striated surface was found in LPP group starting at 3.5cm from the root continuing towards the free end of the hair. Other morphological changes such as presence of cortex, globules, oval indentations, and rod-like macrofibrillar elements were also assessed, however, detailed results are not presented, as the differences shown in the number of these morphological changes were not significantly different. This publication outlines the differences between virgin, healthy Caucasian hair, and the hair of LPP patients. The results of this study can be used for further research and work related to LPP. This is the first attempt to characterize the hair of LPP patients using AFM.

Pediculosis and Factors Affecting Its Prevalence among Schoolchildren in Amol City, Northern Iran.

Head louse infestation, pediculosis, is a serious health problem worldwide. Infected children usually suffer from itching, allergies, and secondary infections besides psychological disorders such as depression and lack of self-confidence leading to school failure. This study aimed to investigate the status of pediculosis and its determinant factors among schoolchildren in Amol City, Northern Iran. This study included 228 schools frequented by about 20017 students. Pediculosis was determined by careful examination of students' hair on the scalp, back of the neck, and around the ears. The diagnosis was based on observation of live adults, nymphs, and nits. A questionnaire was used to record the personal and demographic characteristics of participants. This study revealed that the prevalence of pediculosis among schoolchildren during all schooling seasons (autumn, winter, and spring) correlated with sex: the prevalence being higher among girls than boys (p= 0.00). In addition, the highest rates of pediculosis occurred during the autumn season (p= 0.00). The public schools accommodated higher numbers of louse-infected students than the private ones (p= 0.00). While head louse occurred at higher frequencies in long hair over the schooling year, dandruff had anti-louse effects (p= 0.00) during cold seasons, autumn, and winter. Socioeconomic status and educational level of parents played determinant roles in head louse prevalence (p= 0.00). Schoolchildren coming from socioeconomically well-situated families had lower rates of head louse infestation. Our results showed that head pediculosis was a serious health problem among schoolchildren in Amol city and its prevalence and severity tended to be multifactorial.

Hair Evaluation in Orthodontic Patients with Oligodontia.

Oligodontia can be isolated or syndromic, associated with other ectodermal abnormalities. The aim of the study was to perform hair examination in orthodontic patients diagnosed with oligodontia with a low clinical expression of symptoms of ectodermal origin. All available orthodontic patients diagnosed with oligodontia in the permanent dentition were enrolled. Hair examination included clinical evaluation of the patients' hair, trichoscopy, trichogram and evaluation of the hair shafts under a polarized light microscope. In total, 25 patients, 18 males and 7 females, aged 6 to 24 years were evaluated for the presence of dental and hair abnormalities. The number of congenitally absent teeth ranged from 6 to 24 teeth and diastemas, microdontia, taurodontism and altered tooth shape were found in 23 patients. Hair disorders were found in 68% of the subjects. Hypotrichosis, the heterogeneity of shaft color and loss of pigment, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, trichoschisis, pili canaliculi, trichorrhexis nodosa and pseudomoniletrix were observed. Trichoscopy and trichogram are valid non-invasive diagnostic tests which could be used to differentiate between isolated and syndromic oligodontia in patients with a low clinical expression of ectodermal symptoms.

Triaging of hair samples using fluorescent in situ detection

ABSTRACT DiamondTM Nucleic Acid Dye (DD) has been evaluated for visualizing DNA material on various evidence types, including nuclei in plucked hair roots. While plucked hair roots exhibit a rapid DNA visualization process, shed hairs, even when stained with DD, pose challenges due to the lack of cell nuclei. In the absence of clear cell nuclei, the sole indicator of DNA presence is the fluorescent signal from DD bound to DNA. This study aimed to assess the stability of the fluorescent signal in shed hairs, revealing a rapid decline within 2–3 min post-staining, likely attributed to the cell-free nature of the DNA present on the hair root. Consequently, immediate microscopic visualization and imaging post-staining are crucial during shed hair examination.

Oesophageal obstruction by trichobezoars in rescued jungle cat (Felis chaus)

AbstractOesophageal obstruction due to hairballs in cats is very rare. Excessive grooming behaviour in cats due to skin infection can lead to impaction in the digestive tract, resulting in deprivation of food and water and ultimately death. This report described a case of a rescued jungle cat showing signs of marked dehydration after death. On postmortem examination, a blockade of hairballs was observed in the oesophagus. Further examination of hair revealed that the hair was from the same species, not the prey species. This suggests that the over‐grooming behaviour of cats can lead to the over‐ingestion of hair, which might cause a blockage in the digestive tract, leading to death. The rescue centres should be well aware and prepared to diagnose such problems and manage the case accordingly for effective treatment of rescued animals.

Challenges Facing Us in DNA Analysis from Human Hair Samples: A Review

Human hair is a valuable tool in criminology, aiding in population studies through statistics and DNA analysis. It's easily identifiable at crime scenes, often clinging to clothing, carpets, and various surfaces, including animal fur, through a process known as secondary transfer. Forensic analysis of hair evidence serves several purposes; it can help establish the possibility of a connection between a suspect and a crime scene or between a suspect and a victim. It can demonstrate that there is no evidence linking the perpetrator to the crime scene or the suspect to the victim. While microscopic hair analysis cannot definitively identify a specific individual as the source of the hair, it does provide a solid basis for association. The wealth of macroscopic and microscopic details available in hair examination can also provide strong evidence for the defense. To understand the challenges of conducting DNA tests on hair, it's essential to study hair structure and composition. DNA in hair is not evenly distributed throughout every part of the hair; it exists in both nuclear and mitochondrial forms.

Dermatophytosis in cats: A comprehensive study on diagnostic methods and their accuracy.

Dermatophytosis is a contagious fungal infection that affects mainly cats. It poses significant challenges in veterinary medicine due to its zoonotic potential and impact on animal and public health. Rapid and reliable diagnosis is crucial for preventing the spread of the disease, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring disease control efforts. Although there are several studies on diagnostic methods in feline dermatophytosis, the comparison between them from the same sample lacks data. The absence of a universally accepted gold standard diagnostic method highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to diagnosing feline dermatophytosis. This study aims to assess the accuracy and efficacy of different diagnostic techniques comprehensively. For this, 48 samples of cats were analyzed by dermoscopy, direct hair examination, fungal culture using various media (Mycosel, Sabouraud, and Dermatophyte Test Medium), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Direct examination and dermoscopy yielded unsatisfactory results. Mycosel and Sabouraud were suboptimal. DTM demonstrated superior selectivity, making it the most reliable among traditional methods. PCR was the top performer, exhibiting singular sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The study suggests that PCR may be the preferred choice for diagnosing feline dermatophytosis in clinical practice, especially when rapid and accurate results are essential.

Sex and blood group determination from hair using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics.

Examination of hair with its intact root is commonly used for DNA profiling of the donor. However, its use for gathering other types of information is less explored. Using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the present study aims to explore other relevant aspects in a non-destructive manner for forensics. Determining the sex and blood group of human hair samples were the major goals of the study. Sex determination was accomplished by analyzing the differential vibrational intensities and stretching of various chemical groups associated with hair and its proteins. Statistical inference of spectral data was performed using chemometric algorithms such as PCA and PLS-DA. The PLS-DA model determined sex with 100% accuracy and blood grouping with an average accuracy of 95%. The present study is the first of its kind to determine sex and blood grouping from human scalp hair shafts, as far as the author knows. By acting as a preliminary screening test, this study could have significant implications for forensic analysis of crime scene samples. Human and synthetic hair were used in validation studies, resulting in 100% accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity, with 0% false positives and false negatives. The technique ATR FTIR spectroscopy could complement the currently used methods of hair analysis such as physical examination and mitochondrial or genomic DNA analysis.

Haemoplasmosis in A Hypoalbuminemic Cat: A Case Report

Haemoplasmosis is a bacterial infection in erythrocytes caused by Mycoplasma sp. This study aimed to report methods of diagnosis, therapy, and evaluation of therapy in cats with haemoplasmosis. The cat showed decreased appetite, conjunctivitis, presence of mucoid mucus on the eyes and nose, gum anemia with a capillary refill time of more than 2 seconds, high temperature, and weakness. Skin and hair examination reported infestations of Ctenocephalides felis and Lynxacarus sp. on the hair. Routine hematologic examination showed normochromic normocytic anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and hypoalbuminemia. A blood test examination observed Mycoplasma sp. in erythrocyte cells so the cat was diagnosed with haemoplasmosis. Treatment was performed using Oxytetracycline long-acting at 20 mg/kg BW intramuscularly for 2 weeks and revealed support to recovery during the treatment period.

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO STANDARDIZE THE DERMOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF NORMAL SCALP AND HAIRS IN MALE

Background: Trichoscopy is a recent innovation in the field of dermatology and alternative to more time consuming and cumbersome procedures such as Pull test, Pluck test, Daily hair count, scalp biopsy, microscopic examination of hair by conventional methods by microscope which needs removal of hairs which is painful and unacceptable to patients, to replace these old modality with newer one to diagnose hair and scalp disorders by dermatoscope is known as trichoscopy. It is easy non-invasive, less time consuming, and well acceptable to patients. After years of use of this modality for examination of hair and scalp disorders, there is no relevant data regarding trichoscopic variables of hairs and scalp in normal population were found. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to standardize trichoscopic findings of normal hairs and scalp in male. Methodology: This study was conducted over 1-year period with effect from 24th January 2020 to 23th January 2021 among 360 male subjects presenting in outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, M.G.M. Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore (M.P.). Examination to rule out any local dermatological disorder of scalp was done. Trichoscopic photographs were taken from frontal, right temporal, occipital, and vertex area with the help of Heine Delta 20T digital dermatoscope. Results: Anisotrichosis shows significant age-wise difference in temporal and occipital area. Whereas maximum numbers of subjects with anisotrichosis were present in frontal area followed by vertex scalp, maximum numbers of subjects with white dots are present in more than 50-year age group in vertex (83.3%). Overall, maximum numbers are present in vertex area (68.6%) and rest of the areas has nearly equal numbers (56%). Conclusion: Comparison with standardize findings is necessary before labeling it as pathological finding, also some variables such as black dots, yellow dots, red dots, scarring, and hair shaft abnormality other than diameter variability are considered as absolute pathological finding and not found in healthy subjects, when present on trichoscopy they signify some hair or scalp abnormality.

Hair disorders associated with post-COVID-19 infection in females: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) currently named SARS-CoV-2 is a contagious disease caused by a coronavirus. The virus may infect the hair follicles directly or indirectly through systemic changes in the immune or hormonal systems.AimsIn the current study we aimed to determine the prevalence of hair disorders in females infected with COVID-19.MethodsData was collected using a questionnaire covering four main domains: personal data, past medical history, COVID-19 history and treatment, and existence of any hair problems and their management. No identifier or sensitive data were collected. Those complaining of hair loss were subjected to complete general and local hair examination using trichoscopy to confirm hair loss.ResultsHair problems were reported in 307 (61.4%) of COVID-19-infected female subjects. A total of 68.1% patients reported that hair loss existed and increased after COVID-19; 29.6% reported their hair problems only post-COVID-19 while 2.3% had hair shedding issues during infection only. The main reported hair problems were telogen effluvium (60.8%), increased gray hair (13.8%), seborrheic dermatitis (5.6%) trichotillomania (3.6%), and alopecia areata (2.2%).ConclusionIn conclusion, we reported prevalence of post-COVID hair fall that was confirmed by trichoscopy and which affected approximately 61.4% of infected females.

Statistical Modelling Investigation of MALDI-MSI-Based Approaches for Document Examination

Questioned document examination aims to assess if a document of interest has been forged. Spectroscopy-based methods are the gold standard for this type of evaluation. In the past 15 years, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation–Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) has emerged as a powerful analytical tool for the examination of finger marks, blood, and hair. Therefore, this study intended to explore the possibility of expanding the forensic versatility of this technique through its application to questioned documents. Specifically, a combination of MALDI-MSI and chemometric approaches was investigated for the differentiation of seven gel pens, through their ink composition, over 44 days to assess: (i) the ability of MALDI MSI to detect and image ink chemical composition and (ii) the robustness of the combined approach for the classification of different pens over time. The training data were modelled using elastic net logistic regression to obtain probabilities for each pen class and assess the time effect on the ink. This strategy led the classification model to yield predictions matching the ground truth. This model was validated using signatures generated by different pens (blind to the analyst), yielding a 100% accuracy in machine learning cross-validation. These data indicate that the coupling of MALDI-MSI with machine learning was robust for ink discrimination within the dataset and conditions investigated, which justifies further studies, including that of confounders such as paper brands and environmental factors.

ASSESSING PERFORMANCE IN FORENSIC HAIR EXAMINATION: A REVIEW

Forensic biological examination is a part of forensic science, which has the aims to identify biological matrix and stains on crime scenes or findings. Forensic biological examination is important for the identification of even the smallest biological samples and their attribution to a specific person, victim,or suspect. During crime scene investigation hair is one of the biological samples that can be found and can lead the operators to identify the perpetrators. In fact, hair can be easily found on findings, both clothes and objects, near victims and/or in the area of the crime. Microscopic analysis of the human hairs can be used to make a comparative analysis on suspects, focusingthe attention on well-knownmorphological characteristics. andthe bulb of human hair, found on crime scenes or on findings, can be used in forensic genetics examination to reach a DNA matching. The aim of this research is to cross-compare multiple knowledge from different research papers on forensic hair examination to assess the evolution of the study and technology in this field and for assess new perspective of research and forensic applications.

Chief Editors' Note

Dear Readers,We are glad that the ThirdIssue of the International Journal of Law in Changing World is published. Authors from different partsof the world presentedtheir papers on current problems of law in Brazil, Cameroon, Italy, and Russia. Our authors gave the Journal the honor to publish papers devoted to different aspects of law and regulations that the modern world faces. This Issue presents the paper “Duration and Extinction of Administrative Contracts in the New Brazilian Bidding Law”. In it, professorsRafael Carvalho Rezende Oliveira and ThiagoGomes do Carmo address the causes and consequences of the termination of administrative contracts due to the recent enactment of New Law on Bids and Administrative Contracts.Next paper is entitled “Tools to Stimulate Blockchain: Regulatory Sandboxes, Special Economic Zones and Public Private Partnerships", where professors Elizaveta Alexandrovna Gromova and Daniel Brantes Ferreira presents a review of the most efficient tools to stimulate the Blockchain. The results of the research made by Natalia Igorevna Shumakovaand Elena Viktorovna Titova represented in the paper“Freedom of religion and conscience in China and Russia: in Search of New Commons” discuss the possibility of creating a new convention by China and Russia for protecting the fundamental human right to freedom of religion and conscience on a new international level, independent from the West.The paper “Impact of Digital Technologies on Criminal Procedure in Russia and India: Comparative Legal Aspect” written byElizaveta Igorevna Popova demonstrates us the impact of thedigital technologies on criminal procedure in Russia and India.Professor Enow Godwill Baiye and Fongwa Kesten Ngum are talking about the role of international law for regulation of relations arising fromGoverningtheSeabedin the paper “The Role of The International Seabed: International law”.The paper “Liability for Trademark Infringement on E-Commerce Marketplaces” written by Anna Vladimirovna Pokrovskaya, aimed to define optimal approaches to the liability regime for the violation of the intellectual property rights in the spheres of digital platforms and marketplaces. nd last but not least is the paper “Assessing Performance in Forensic Hair Examination: A Review”. Eugenio D'Orio, Giuseppe Calabrese, Chiara Lucanto, and Paola Montagna aimed this research to cross-compare multiple knowledge from different research papers on forensic hair examination in order to assess the evolution of the study and technology in this field and for assess new perspective of research and forensic applications.We truly hope you will find this Issue valuable and informative because that is the mission of the Journal –to find solutions to crucial legal issues that arise from the forever-changing world. We want to thank our authors, reviewers and editorial team members for their excellent job, support, and efforts to make this Issue happen. We hope the Journal can inspire academics and researchers to keep expanding their horizons and reducing the research distance between countries. Sincerely yours Editors-in-Chief Elizaveta Gromova and Daniel Brantes Ferreira

The Distribution of Mid-Digital Hair among the Idoma People of Benue State, Nigeria

Introduction: Hair has accompanied human development since the ancient time as a symbol of power, dominance, and strength. It has been perceived as a thing of beauty and a tool for sexual communication. Over the years, anthropologists have studied the body hair distribution particularly phalangeal hair; this is because it shows variation in relation to race, nationality and ethnic groups. Clinicians have also shown great interest in the study of bodily hairs due to its many useful biological functions, including dispersion of sweat gland products. There are few reports of distribution of mid-digital hair among some tribes in Nigeria but there is paucity of data among the Idoma tribe of Benue State. Hence, this study aimed to investigate and document the frequency of distribution of mid-digital hair among Idoma tribe of Benue State. Method: The study was community-based, descriptive, and cross-sectional with a sample size of 401. Data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire that was administered by an interviewer following an examination of the mid-digital hair. Result: mid- digital hairs was present in 113 (28.2%) of the participants and absent in 288(71.8%) of the participants. The only significant socio-demographic characteristics among participants were the educational level with 7.754(0.051). Conclusion: The study indicated that less than one-third of the participants had mid-digital hair. Furthermore, the mid-digital hair distribution was sexually dimorphic, as it was more prevalent among the males than the females (ratio of 8: 6). The reason for the higher distribution in the males than females could be attributed to the hormonal difference in both genders.

Features of Hair Research for Biological and Forensic Chemical Research

The subject of the study is human hair. The authors consider the issues of hair research for biological and forensic chemical research. Currently, despite the large number of studies conducted by forensic medical experts and clinicians, there is no complete, targeted program for the study of hair for elemental composition, psychoactive and toxic substances, enzyme system, in which methods of hair research would be announced not only for forensic, but also for clinical, environmental practice. Forensic doctors have developed methods and techniques for conducting such studies. However, there are no such developments for clinicians, toxicologists. Removal and examination of hair to study the morphological structure is carried out without following the rules (length, description of the structure, indication of magnification of the microscope, characteristics of inclusions and others). The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the lack of widely available data on the characteristics of hair; by determining the content of foreign substances introduced into the body, gives rise to contradictory and even erroneous data. A special contribution of the authors to the study of hair is the proposed algorithm for morphological examination of their elements, which includes such sections as hair removal, macroscopic examination and microscopic examination. The described lesions in the form of inclusions of "black color", "flask-like formations" and "thickening of the core" are characteristic of normal hair and are not signs of exposure to any toxicant. The morphological shape of some hair indicates the effect on the hair of a toxic agent that affected their structure, as a result of which their loss occurred. The damaging factor acts on the desmosomes of the cuticle of the rod and the vaginal membranes of the hair and is exfoliated from its own hair bed. It was determined that the hair carries information about the entry of an intoxicant into the body in the phase of active growth – anagen.

Hair root staining with Hematoxylin: Increasing the rate of obtaining DNA profiles in forensic casework

Hair evidence collected during a forensic investigation has the potential to provide valuable sourcing information through DNA analysis of its root. Over time, hair examiners at the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory observed hair roots being sent for DNA analysis were not yielding profiles as expected. Recent advancements in the Forensic Biology Section’s detection limits prompted research into whether changes to the current root removal protocol could increase the likelihood of developing a DNA profile from a hair root. An internal validation was completed for the method of Hematoxylin staining to screen telogen roots for DNA analysis. Over 900 head hairs from approximately 15 living donors were examined for telogen roots. Those roots were stained using Hematoxylin and examined for nuclei. The roots were separated into groups based on nuclei present: Group I (1–10 nuclei), Group II (11–20 nuclei), Group III (21–30 nuclei), Group IV (31–40 nuclei), and Group V (41 or greater nuclei). A set of 64 roots, including a Negative Control (0 nuclei) and a Positive Control (anagen or catagen roots), were sent for quantitative DNA analysis. The data showed a clear separation between Groups I and II, where 36% of Group I verses 80% of Group II passed the quantification cutoff. All samples in the Negative Control, Group I, and the Positive Control were then amplified along with a representative sample in Groups II through V. After amplification, the delineation between Groups I and II maintained with 27% of Group I verses 89% of Group II obtaining DNA profiles. As a result, the nuclei required to obtain a potential DNA profile at our laboratory is eleven or more. Prior to Hematoxylin, anagen, catagen, or telogen roots with follicular tissue were sent for DNA analysis, resulting in 32% of roots yielding DNA results. Following implementation of Hematoxylin into casework in March 2019, the success rate has more than doubled to 69%, illustrating the utility of Hematoxylin root staining in improving casework efficiency. Through this methodology, only roots with the best potential to develop a DNA profile are sent for testing, thereby decreasing DNA caseload, cost, and time of analysis. In fact, Hematoxylin staining has resulted in a 14% reduction in the number of hair roots forwarded for DNA analysis, meaning hairs not meeting nuclear threshold are preserved for future examinations.

A comparative study of different animal hairs: A microscopic analysis.

Hair is a feature that is only found in mammals. In all species, it is an epidermal protrusion composed of an outer cuticle, middle cortex, and inner medulla. Hair's primary purpose in mammals is to aid with thermoregulation. Every domestic animal species has a distinct hair pattern that can be used in forensic investigations. The aim of the present study is to observe the different animal hairs under stereomicroscope for forensic analysis. Hair is a unique characteristic seen only in mammals. It is an epidermal protrusion composed of an outer cuticle, middle cortex, and inner medulla in all species. The primary function of hair in animals is to aid with thermoregulation. Every domestic animal species has a specific hair pattern that forensic investigators can employ. The shaft profile was straight in all the animal hairs. In the proximal end, the root was absent because the hair was cut from the respective animals. Cuticles were absent in all the hair strands. The surface texture was smooth in dog hair, rough and spiculated in cat hair, and coarse in horse and rat hair. Microscopic examination of hairs reveals morphological distinctions that allow animal hairs from different species to be distinguished. In forensic investigations, microscopic examinations of various animal hairs are useful.

Head lice among governmental primary and middle school students in Garmsar, Semnan Province

The prevalence of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) is one of the most common infections at all ages, especially among students, and is widespread worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of head lice infection and external factors affecting the distribution of P.capitis in girls' schools in Garmsar city and east of Semnan province (Iran) from October 2017 to April 2018. This study was descriptive and analytical. A total of 850 students aged 7 to 16 from 14 selected girls' schools were screened for head lice. Data collection was performed using a standard questionnaire and physical examination of hair. A questionnaire was completed about the personal health practices and socio-demographic characteristics of students. Analysis was performed using the chi-square test and SPSS software version 18. The overall prevalence of head lice infection in Garmsar city was approximately 33.17%. This prevalence in elementary and middle school students was 41.66% and 12.8%, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between pediculosis capitis and the occupation of mothers with the level of education, father's occupation, and the presence of health teachers in schools, bathing intervals, combing intervals, access to health services, and school score.