Examination Of Hair Research Articles

Preliminary Forensic Study of Hair Morphology and Micrometry of Small-Sized Dog Breeds

Hong Kong, located in Southern China, is one of the world's most densely populated cities. Although dealing with the challenge of living in small spaces, more and more families are keeping pets. Pet ownership has undergone exponential growth as nearly 241,900 Hong Kong households (i.e., 9.4 % among all households) had pets at home, while the number of pet dogs and cats increased from 297,100 in 2005 to 405,200 in 2018. Dogs possess hair that is easily shed, thus has great chances to be found at a crime scene through primary or secondary transfer. As every contact leaves a trace, examination of dog hair to identify dog breeds may establish a link between suspect, victim and a crime scene as associative evidence. Previous studies on the morphology and micrometry of dog hair investigated large-sized dog breeds, such as Husky, Rottweiler and Doberman, while these dog breeds are not common in Hong Kong. This was the first study to investigate the morphological and micrometric differences among hair collected from small-sized dogs that are commonly found in homes with small living spaces. Hair samples were collected from popular small-sized dog breeds in Hong Kong such as Poodle, Shiba Inu, Miniature Schnauzer and Pomeranian. With a scanning electron microscope and a compound microscope, morphological (e.g., hair color, cuticle scale pattern and medullary pattern) and micrometric characteristics (e.g., hair shaft diameter, medulla diameter, medullary and cuticular indices) were determined. Distinctive cuticle scale pattern was observed: elongate petal in Shiba Inu and coronal in Poodle, while these arrangements were rarely found in large-sized dog breeds that were reported in previous studies. Hairs of Shiba Inu also showed the medulla to be uniserial ladder, which could be considered a distinctive characteristic of this breed. The findings from this preliminary study are useful for forensic investigations to differentiate and identify small-sized dog breeds through hair sampling. Further studies involving larger numbers of small-sized dog breeds and subjects will be carried out.

Investigation on prevalence, risk factors, and genetic diversity of Pediculus humanus capitis among primary school children.

Pediculosis is an integumentary disease caused by the ecto-parasite Pediculus humanus capitis, which infests human hair. It is a common public health problem that is most prominent worldwide in elementary school children. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and genetic diversity of P. humanus capitis among primary school children in the Erbil province. For this purpose, this study was conducted from October 2019 to December 2019 among 1100 randomly selected elementary school children aged 6-12. Data collection was performed via a regular questionnaire and physical hair examination. For the genetic diversity part, after collecting one louse randomly from each individual, DNA was extracted. The mitochondrial Cox1 gene was then amplified by universal primer and PCR. Gene sequencing was performed by ABI (BioNEER, South Korea). Data analysis was done by Chi-Square and T-test using the SPSS ver. 23. The overall infestation rate was 21.27%, and the rate was significantly higher among females (34.93%) compared to males (7.91%). Some variables had found the prevalence rate to be strongly affected. This included age; the rate was not significant (26.87%) in the age group 8-9 years compared to other age groups. According to hair length, the rate was significantly increased (36.52%) among children with tall hair. In terms of hair type, the incidence of curly-haired children was significantly higher (31.54%); in terms of hair color, there were not significant differences among blonde children (25.90%) and others. According to the results of Cox1 gene sequencing, of 234 infested children to lice, 86 (36.75%) of them were exposed to clade A, 38 (16.24%) were exposed to clade B, clade C has not been seen among any children (0%), 105 students (44.87%) were exposed to clade D, and 5 of them exposed to clade E (2.14%). Eventually, a significantly higher incidence (33.78%) was reported in rural primary school children. The infection rate of human head lice in Erbil province is still high, which is one of the health problems of children in public schools.

Evaluation of hair structural abnormalities in children with different neurological diseases

Hair microscopy is a fast and effortless diagnostic method for many diseases affecting hair in daily practice. Many diseases can present with hair shaft disorders in pediatric neurology practice. Children with pathological hair findings were included in our study. Microscopic evaluation of the hair was performed under light microscopy. The clinical findings, pathological hair shaft findings, laboratory tests, and final diagnosis of the patients were evaluated. In our study, 16 patients with rare pathological hair findings were identified. Of these 16 patients, nine were diagnosed with giant axonal neuropathy, three with Griscelli syndrome, two with Menkes disease, and two with autosomal recessive woolly hair disease. In hair inspection, curly and tangled hair in patients with giant axonal neuropathy; silvery blond hair in patients with Griscelli syndrome; sparse, coarse, and light-colored hair in patients with Menkes disease; and hypotrichosis in patients with autosomal recessive woolly hair were remarkable findings. Dystrophic hair was detected in most of the patients on light microscopy. In addition, signs of trichorrhexis nodosa, tricoptylosis, and pili torti were found. In particular, pigment deposition in the hair shaft of two patients diagnosed with Griscelli syndrome and pili torti findings in two patients with Menkes disease were the most important findings suggestingthe diagnosis. Detection of hair findings in the physical examination and performing light microscopic evaluation facilitates the diagnosis of rare diseases accompanied by hair findings. A hair examination should be performed as a part of physical and neurological examinationson eachpatient regardless of thecomplaint.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Head Lice (Pediculosis capitis) Among Primary School Students in Varzaqan Villages, Northwest of Iran

Background: Pediculosis capitis or head lice infestation is one of the most critical public health problems, primarily involving primary school children. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Pediculus capitis contamination among primary school students in the villages of Varzaqan city, East Azerbaijan province, Iran, in 2020. Methods: Overall, 400 primary school students aged 7 - 12 were selected through convenience sampling. First, a demographic checklist was filled out for each participant, and then hair examination was carried out individually and privately to detect head lice or eggs/nits. The data analysis was performed using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and analytical methods, including chi-square and t-tests (SPSS, version 16). A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of 400 students, 41 (10.3%) were infested with P. capitis. The prevalence rate significantly differed between boys (6.2%) and girls (14.8%). There was a significant association between pediculosis and mother’s education, father’s job, family income, history of infestation, number of combs per day, and frequency of hair washing per week. Conclusions: According to the prevalence of head lice in primary school children, we need to increase the awareness and train children, parents, and teachers through further cross-sectoral cooperation between education and health centers. Also, the presence of a hygiene teacher at school to improve the health status of students can significantly reduce the prevalence of pediculosis.

Barbatoriam facere. Distinktion und Transgression in der römischen Kaiserzeit

AbstractWhile clothing issues of the Romans have been researched in recent years, the examination of facial hair has so far been rather unexplored. Therefore, little attention has been paid to the ceremonial first shave of young Romans (barbatoria), although beard growth, shaving and care provided information about hierarchies and identity, alleged sexual practices or periods of life cycle. The ritual of barbatoria was hence accompanied by assumptions about the character of a person.The article shows these dimensions of barbatoria using the examples of Octavian/Augustus, Caligula, Nero and Elagabalus. In doing so, it aims at pointing to the possibilities of distinction as well as transgression for staging the status as a young, wealthy Roman citizen that is becoming a ‘real man’.

Hair Loss in Children: A Clinicoetiological Study from South India.

Background:Scalp hair loss in children is one of the common complaints encountered in dermatological practice. Accurate diagnosis of hair loss in children is of major significance as it can have severe psychological implications given the cosmetic importance of hair.Aims:This study aims to study the different causes and clinical presentations of scalp hair loss in children.Materials and Methods:This was a hospital-based descriptive study that enrolled a total of 170 children with scalp hair loss. A detailed history, scalp, and hair examination were done. Bedside investigations such as KOH mount, hair shaft microscopy, and hair pull tests were conducted. Scalp biopsy and dermoscopy were done wherever necessary to confirm the diagnosis.Results:Majority of the children with scalp hair loss were school going and adolescents accounting for 62.4% of cases; 52.4% of patients were male and 47.6% were female. Asymptomatic hair loss was the most common presenting complaint contributing to 71.2% of cases. Patchy pattern of scalp hair loss formed a majority (86.5%) compared to diffuse pattern (13.5%). Around 89.4% of scalp hair loss were of acquired type and remaining 10.6% were of congenital type. Neonatal occipital alopecia (38.9%) was the most common cause of congenital hair loss. However, in the acquired group, 90.1% had nonscarring and 9.9% had scarring alopecia. In the nonscarring group, tinea capitis, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium accounted for 47.4%, 37.9%, and 8.8% of cases, respectively.Conclusion:Childhood alopecia is different from adult alopecia in terms of causes and the pattern of presentation. There is a scarcity of literature on childhood alopecia from India, hence, this study can serve as a useful guide in understanding the different causes and its presentation in our population. In addition, this study signifies the importance of simple diagnostic tests such as KOH and hair shaft microscopy in the diagnosis of common hair loss conditions in children.

Identification of Genetic Mutations in TYR and OCA2 Genes in Congenital Families with Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA)

Aim: The objective of the present study was to recruit congenital families of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and mutations in TYR and OCA2 genes are identified, which is further expanding the mutation spectrum in this population. Methods: Two consanguineous families with OCA were recruited and whole blood was collected. Clinical examination was carried out to determine the visual acuity and related eye, skin and hair examinations. Genomic DNA was extracted by standard phenol-chloroform method. Targeted exome sequencing by TruSight one sequencing panel sequencing was carried out. Sanger sequencing was performed for mutation detection in tyrosinase (TYR) and the OCA2 genes and co-segregation in OCA families. Results: Clinically, the affected individuals of two OCA families showed clinical characteristics including white to pale skin, white or blonde hairs, irritant to light, nystagmus and reduced vision. DNA sequencing showed the genetic mutation of TYR and OCA2 genes in two OCA families. In family 1, the nucleotide variant (c.1255G>A; p.Gly419Arg) was detected inTYR gene, while in another family, the splice-site variant c.1045-15T>G was identified in OCA2. Conclusion: This study concluded that identification of TYR and OCA2 mutations in OCA disease are commonly associated with the population where the consanguinity is persistent. These findings expanded the molecular basis of oculocutaneous albinism in Pakistani families and established the mode of genetic counselling and for diagnostic outcome. Keywords: Consanguineous families; Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA); mutations; tyrosinase (TYR); OCA2 gene.

O26 More than meets the eye … When inflammation extends beyond the anterior chamber

Case report - IntroductionThe differential diagnosis of paediatric uveitis is extensive. Classification starts by determining infectious versus non-infectious causes, anatomic location and associated intra-ocular and extra-ocular features. A relatively common referral to Paediatric Rheumatology from our Ophthalmology colleagues is of a child with a diagnosis of uveitis. This case highlights the importance and benefits of multidisciplinary team working across our regional network when caring for children with complex and rare conditions.Case report - Case descriptionAn 8-year-old-girl was referred by her local ophthalmology team to the paediatric rheumatology clinic with a diagnosis of pars-planitis. She had presented to them with blurred-vision and eye-“floaters”.On review, the girl reported that she had a 4-month-history of headaches and blurred-vision, associated with dizziness. She denied any eye-pain. Corresponding to the onset of her symptoms, she had suffered with Chickenpox. Her mother felt that she had "not been right since then". She noted that she was generally quieter and more fatigued than normal.Over the course of the 4 months, she was noted to have become clumsier and was bumping into things on a regular basis. She reported increasing visual difficulties in her right eye and initially attended for an optician review. The optician was concerned and referred for urgent ophthalmology opinion. She was diagnosed with bilateral pars-planitis, commenced on oral prednisolone and referred for paediatric rheumatology and tertiary ophthalmology assessment. The headaches improved following commencement on steroids.Positive findings on systems review included occasional oral ulcers, 1—2 times-per-month. They started about 1-month prior to the onset of her chickenpox and continued for the following 3—4 months. She denied any history of genital-ulcers or skin-rash. She had new-onset muscle soreness and tiredness after activity. She also described non-specific abdominal pain since having chickenpox, but no associated change in bowel habit.Examination revealed normal skin, hair, nail and joint examination. She had a soft systolic murmur (echocardiogram normal). She had RUQ tenderness on abdominal palpation (abdominal-USS – spleen upper limit of normal. Nil else). Relevant blood and stool samples were sent as part of a uveitis work-up panel.The paediatric ophthalmologist found right-intermediate uveitis with vitreitis and peripheral retinal changes in keeping with a peripheral exudative detachment. Similar changes were seen in the peripheral retina of the left eye. The impression was of bilateral pan-uveitis with retinal involvement. A subsequent oral fluorescein angiogram showed a widespread retinal vasculitis with some occlusive changes in the right-eye, and a tuft of retinal vascular leakage at the 5-o'clock position in the left eye.Case report - DiscussionThe differential diagnosis for paediatric retinal vasculitis is broad. It includes collagen vascular disorders, Behçet's disease, Eales’ disease, post viral or post vaccination, acquired toxoplasmosis, multiple sclerosis, systemic immunosuppression and Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The ANA, ENAs, dsDNA, ANCA, ACE, Toxoplasma and Lyme serology were all negative for this little girl. Her inflammatory markers were also normal. She was not on any regular medications prior to her illness and had not had any recent vaccinations. She had no significant past medical or family history of note. However, the onset of her symptoms did correspond to her having chickenpox. She was subsequently found to be positive for HLA B51.In view of the ophthalmology findings and positive HLA B51, the little girl was admitted for an urgent MRI/MRI to exclude neuro- Behçets. This was reported as normal. She was treated with a three-day pulse of IV methylprednisolone and discharged on oral prednisolone 10mg OD (weight 33.4kg).At present Bechet’s retinal vasculitis remains high in the list of differentials for this little girl; however, currently she does not strictly meet the diagnostic criteria for Bechet’s disease. She has been commenced on a steroid sparing agent, azathioprine. Her follow-up plan is to be reviewed in the joint paediatric rheumatology and ophthalmology clinic in 1 months’ time.Case report - Key learning pointsRetinal vasculitis may occur secondary to a systemic disease or an infectious agent, or as an isolated retinal aetiology. Given that the differentials are vast, a detailed history and examination are important to identify signs and symptoms of systemic disease. Appropriate investigations should be chosen to help narrow the differentials and ensure pathology that could lead to significant morbidity and mortality is not missed.With a case such as this, close collaboration between the paediatric ophthalmologist and rheumatologist is paramount to ensure the best outcome for the patient.With regards to treatment, small case series have described a refractory nature of retinal vasculitis in paediatric patients. One study report that almost 80% of patients with paediatric idiopathic uveitis show manifestations of retinal vasculitis, which is associated with a lower probability of inflammation control resulting in a worse visual prognosis.Points for discussionThoughts on differential diagnosis?Thoughts on appropriate treatment when no definitive cause identified. Should we follow the National Behcet’s Disease pathway?Expected prognosis for paediatric retinal vasculitis?

Cheyletiella yasguri Smiley, 1965 (Acarina: Cheyletiellidae) infestations in six puppies in Kocaeli province of Turkey, and successful treatment with selamectin

Cheyletiellosis is a highly contagious infestation caused by Cheyletiella mites, particularly in pets. This clinical case report was performed to give information about canine cheyletiellosis in 45-days-old Poodle puppies showing mainly pruritus and dandruff symptoms. Mites were detected in stereo microscopic examination of hair and skin scraping samples collected from dogs brought to a private veterinary clinic in Kocaeli province of Turkey. All collected materials were preserved in eppendorf tubes containing 70% ethanol and sent to the parasitology laboratory for species identification. Mite preparations for microscopic examination were prepared, and the species causing infestations in puppies was identified as Cheyletiella yasguri. This case is the first canine cheyletiellosis report in Kocaeli province of Turkey, and also the first C. yasguri infestation in Poodle breed dogs in Turkey. Symptoms of pruritus and dandruff were successfully resolved in a short time with the single dose spot-on formulation of selamectin administration, as well as routine combing of puppies and environmental cleaning. The number of studies on C. yasguri, which can cause infestations in humans, is limited in Turkey. Considering the increase in human dermatitis cases caused by Cheyletiella species, it is concluded that more comprehensive studies on the prevalence of cheyletiellosis in pets are required.

Update Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

Background: Male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA), also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common hair loss in males who have a genetic predisposition. The pattern of baldness in MAGA starts from the frontal area in a triangular pattern, followed by progressive thinning of the vertex until baldness occurs. Generally, the diagnosis of MAGA is established by clinical examination. FDA has approved a combination of topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for MAGA treatment. Currently, there is another treatment option like dutasteride, a prostaglandin analog, ketoconazole, and co-adjuvant therapy like laser therapy, hair transplantation, and so on. Purpose: To provide an updated treatment for MAGA. Review: Etiopathogenesis of MAGA is influenced by genetic susceptibility and hormonal factors. The European Consensus Group set the evaluation diagnosis of MAGA to include a historyof hair fall, physical examination, hair examination, supporting examination, and clinical documentation. There are therapeutic options for MAGA, including antiandrogen therapies, androgen-independent therapies, and co-adjuvant therapies. The FDA has approved a combination of topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for MAGA treatment. MAGA may affect patients’ quality of life and self-esteem. In general, patients expect higher. Conclusion: MAGA is the most common progressive hair loss in males. The MAGA therapy is expected to achieve cosmetically significant regrowth and to slow additional hair loss.

Dinner plan killers

Urinary obstructed small ruminants, pigs in dystocia, and pregnancy toxemia all represent challenging, truly emergent clinical scenarios in mixed and large animal practice. Each of these scenarios, however, lend themselves to protocol development. Putting these cases on autopilot can remove a lot of the associated stress and ensure consistent patient care with consideration for client expectations and finances built right in.
 Initial evaluation of animals with suspected urolithiasis should include examination of the preputial hairs for grit or formed stones and exteriorization of the penis for examination and amputation of the vermiform appendage. When vermiform appendage amputation fails to relieve the obstruction, catheterization and surgical intervention, including perineal urethrostomy, tube cystotomy, minimally invasive tube cystotomy, and others should be considered.
 Swine presented for dystocia are often compromised and require a Cesarean section. Having a standard protocol in place for perioperative drugs, including anesthetic drugs, antimicrobials, and anti-inflammatories, reduces the veterinarian’s stress in preparing to go to surgery. Unlike other species, the surgical approach in swine is paramammary and the uterus is much more highly vascularized. Care must be taken to minimize abdominal contamination where dead piglets are involved.
 Ewes and does presented ill in late gestation should always be evaluated for pregnancy toxemia. Many, if not most of these animals, additionally have pneumonia and a GI parasite burden. Does and ewes that are still standing and eating can often be managed in the field, while those that are recumbent will only recover if placed on IV fluids and dextrose CRI. Producers must be educated on pregnancy toxemia risk factors, such as obesity, parasitism, and improper feeding.

Pilot Videodermoscopic Examination of Hair and Skin in Arabian Mare Horses During the Winter Season

Videodermoscopy is a novel, noninvasive technique used to examine the appearance of skin and its adnexa. The aim of this study was to assess specific dermoscopic parameters in Arabian purebred mares in particular areas of the body during the winter season. The study was performed in the winter season. Videodermoscopic evaluations of the hair and skin were performed over seven areas of the body: the forehead, mane, neck, chest, flank, croup, and tail. Twenty-one healthy, non-breeding Arabian mares aged 3 to 21 years were selected for the study. The Video-Dermatoscope Vidix 7 (Medici Medical SRL) equipped with a 5-Mpx camera, and the VX1 cover (contact type cap 3.5 cm) was used. The CellSens Dimension was used to perform the above-mentioned measurements. Videodermoscopy revealed marked pigmentary differences in the hair of gray Arabian mares with blood vessels visible on unpigmented skin. The density of the hair in one dermoscopy field of view ranged from 1,458 (croup) to 3,680 (head) hairs and the thickness of hair ranged from 52.70 (chest) to 87.45 µm (tail). Uniform group of horses consisting of one sex, one breed, and one season. When compared to previous studies, our findings demonstrated that the density and thickness of hair are contingent upon a horse's breed and body region.

Review on forensic analysis of hair by scanning electron microscope in domestic and wild animals

Analysis and Identification of hair is the most complex and distinct aspect in the field of forensics.The examination of animal hair is a ubiquitous discipline in wildlife forensics. Examination is largely based on microscopy, which enables the hair analyst in identification of hair as animal in origin, to distinguish the hair to a particular species, and to conduct comparative examinations. Analysis of animal remains, e.g. hair at a crime scene helps to provide evidence for contact of a suspected assailant and diagnosing drug expose. The cuticular pattern, cross section and medullary index provides information on the domestic and wild species of the animal. The present review was discussed to investigate some morphological features of hair samples of domesticated and wild animal species using scanning electron microscopy for their identification. Scanning Electron Microscope shows the optical means of identification regarding structural, surface morphology, coupled with scientific data and focuses on species identification.

A study on hair analysis of different Canidae breeds

Dogs being most commonly present around humans means that their hair has become an important aspect among trace evidence that can be used as associative evidence in the court of law. They can serve as corroborating evidence as well as help in forensic investigations and trials. The morphological and morpho-metrical differences among hair are useful in differentiating dog breeds. This paper attempts to study the features that can aid in individualization as well as the identification of different dog breeds and help in future explorations. Micro-metric measurements and structure of shaft, medulla, and cuticle of hair may vary among different breeds of dogs (Canis familiaris). Hair samples were randomly collected from 42 dogs of different breeds. Examination of cuticle pattern was done by preparing hair casts and indices were calculated using micro-metric standards. Morphological characteristics were examined under stereomicroscope and light microscope for evaluating shaft diameter, medulla diameter, cuticle scale length, medulla patterns, cuticle patterns, and margins. The results of this study indicate that microscopic features can be used to distinguish different breeds of dogs whereas micro-metric values do not show remarkable distinctions. A rare condition - ‘split end’ was seen in Dachshund dog breed. Therefore, we can conclude that there are differences among dog hair if microscopic features can be observed and indices could be used for the forensic identification process, and these findings may contribute to discriminating among dog breeds based on preliminary hair examination.

Microscopical discrimination of human head hairs sharing a mitochondrial haplogroup.

In forensic analyses, determining the level of consensus among examiners for hair comparison conclusions and ancestry identifications is important for assessing the scientific validity of microscopical hair examinations. Here, we present data from an interlaboratory study on the accuracy of microscopical hair comparisons among a subset of experienced hair examiners currently analyzing hair in forensic laboratories across the United States. We examined how well microscopical analysis of hair can reliably be used to differentiate hair samples, many of which were macroscopically similar. Using cut hair samples, many sharing similar macroscopic and microscopic features, collected from individuals who share the same mitochondrial haplogroup as an indication of genetic relatedness, we tested multiple aspects that could impact hair comparisons. This research tested the extent to which morphological features related to ancestry and hair length influence conclusions. Microscopical hair examinations yielded accurate assessments of inclusion/exclusion relative to the reference samples among 85% of the pairwise comparisons. We found shorter hairs had reduced levels of accuracy and hairs from populations examiners were not familiar with may have impacted their ability to resolve features. The reliability of ancestry determinations is not yet clear, but we found indications that the existing categories are only somewhat related to current ethnic and genetic variation. Our results provide support for the continued utility of microscopical comparison of hairs within forensic laboratories and to advocate for a combined analytical approach using both microscopical analysis and mtDNA data on all forensic analyses of hair.

Griscelli Syndrome Type 2: A Rare Case With Apparently Normal Skin and Hair Pigmentation

t- Griscelli syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that affects hair, skin, and immune system. Here, we describe an 8.5-month-old infant with multiple admissions due to fever, petechial purpura, and several recurrent vomiting episodes with a presumptive diagnosis of recurrent sepsis. He was born from parents with consanguineous marriage. The initial examinations revealed huge splenomegaly and hepatomegaly without any source of infection. Laboratory tests revealed a hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) like a picture with a high blood level of ferritin in all episodes, but the bone marrow test result was normal. Although he had normal hair and skin pigmentation on physical examination, the accumulation of melanosomes was found in his hair shafts on microscopic investigations. Eventually, a genetic test revealed a mutation in the RAB27A gene, which confirmed GS-II diagnosis. Our case is the first case of GS-II from Iran without any apparent clinical features of GS, such as hypopigmented skin and silvery-gray hair. Therefore, a genetic test, together with the microscopic examination of hair and skin, is necessary for the diagnosis and confirmation of GS-II. Since GS-II is an autosomal recessive disorder and consanguineous marriages are popular in Iran, premarital genetic counseling is recommended for this region.

Evaluation of Hair Density and Hair Diameter in the Adult Thai Population Using Quantitative Trichoscopic Analysis

The data of hair density and hair diameter in the Asian population, especially in Thais, are limited. We aimed to evaluate hair density and hair diameter of members of the Thai population at different scalp sites and to determine the effect of sex and aging as well as to compare the results with those in groups of other ethnicities. Healthy Thais whose hair examination findings were normal were evaluated. Two hundred and thirty-nine subjects participated in this study, of whom 79 were male and 160 were female. Hair density and hair diameter were analyzed at four different scalp sites using quantitative trichoscopic analysis. The highest hair density in Thais was observed in the vertex area. Hair densities at four different scalp sites were significantly different from one another; only hair density at the vertex site showed no significant difference from that in the occipital area. In contrast, hair diameter did not show any statistically significant differences for the different sites. We observed decreased mean hair density with increasing age and found statistically significant differences between participants in their 20s and those in their 60s, while hair diameter remained consistent. Comparing our results with a previous study in other ethnicities, the hair densities in Asians are generally lower. In conclusion, hair density in the Thai population varies at different scalp sites. Aging is a factor in declining hair density. Asians have a lower hair density compared to Caucasian and African populations.

An international survey into the analysis and interpretation of microscopic hair evidence by forensic hair examiners

Due to inadequacies in historical hair examinations, the use and perceived value of microscopic hair evidence has reduced. Many reports have heavily criticised the use of pattern-based evidence including hair evidence as being unreliable, with police forces focussing on more individualising evidence. Hair evidence has been utilised in casework for many years due to its ability to transfer easily between individuals and crime scenes. Hair evidence can provide important information in criminal investigations, and in certain circumstances, aid in the identification of an individual, along with providing information to aid in the reconstruction of a crime scene. It has become apparent in recent studies, such as the 2012 FBI review, that hair evidence has been inappropriately utilised in case work and this, along with a preference for more discriminating methods such as DNA profiling, has led to both a lack of confidence in and reduction of use of hair evidence. The need for more standardised and objective methods is required along with improved methods for interpreting hair evidence. Since these reports, there has been no study investigating how these have affected the perceptions of hair evidence by forensic hair examiners or that has investigated what methods are being utilised to create a robust, objective and reliable interpretation of this evidence. This study aimed to assess the current similarities and differences in microscopic hair examinations and perceptions of its evidential value between countries, with a focus on the analysis and interpretation methods used by case work examiners and researchers.This study will discuss the findings of a survey and interviews completed by hair examiners. Previous surveys have been conducted by Aitken & Robertson (1986) and Murphy (2013), however the current international status of microscopic hair examinations is unknown.This study gathered responses across 9 countries. From this, it was identified that the microscopic examination of hair evidence is still valued highly by those practicing it. The amount of cases that an examiner has worked on that involve the examination of microscopic hair evidence is correlated to the perceived evidential value of hair evidence and to the value of morphological characteristics of hair. There are inconsistencies between the approaches used in interpreting this type of evidence. Subsequently, this study has generated an international understanding of the current status of hair examinations which was not previously known from an operational perspective.

Direct immunofluorescence of the hair follicle in pemphigus: a less invasive method for diagnosis

Background Demonstration of intercellular deposition of immunoglobulin (Ig)G on the cell surface of keratinocytes by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) of the skin is the gold standard in diagnosis of pemphigus. In the past few years, the intercellular deposition of IgG in the outer root sheath has shown to be useful. Objective The aim was to compare the DIF of hair (plucked anagen and telogen and telogen obtained by combing) with that of skin for diagnosis of patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and those with pemphigus foliaceus (PF). Materials and methods A total of 30 patients [24 with PV and six with PF] with active disease were included. Clinical evaluation (ABASIS score), histopathological examination, and DIF of skin and hair were done. Presence of intercellular deposits of IgG and or C3 in skin and outer root sheath of the hair was considered positive. Results DIF of skin was positive in all patients for IgG and in 25 patients for C3 and also DIF in anagen hair was positive in all patients, whereas in telogen hair, it was positive in 23 patients (17 with PV for both IgG and C3, and six with PF for IgG, and four of them for C3). All patients showed a positive relation between clinical, histopathological, DIF skin, and DIF of anagen hair in both PV and PF. Regarding telogen hair, the same findings was found in all six (100%) patients with PF, but in PV, only 17 (70.83%) patients showed these positive relations, whereas the other seven (29.2%) had positive DIF of both skin and anagen hair only. The sensitivity of hair DIF was 100% for anagen hair and 76.67% for telogen hair in patients with pemphigus. Conclusion Anagen and telogen hair DIF is a simple, noninvasive, and cost-effective procedure and can be used as an additional procedure for diagnosis in patients with PV and PF.

Infrared analysis of hair dyeing and bleaching history.

Forensic examination of hair is commonly performed to trace its origin and make a connection between a suspect and a crime scene. Such examination is based on subjective microscopic analysis of hair. During the last decade, several spectroscopic approaches have been proposed to make forensic analysis of hair more robust and reliable. Surface-enhanced Raman and attenuated total internal reflection infrared spectroscopies allowed for detection and identification of dyes directly on hair and even differentiation between commercial brands of those colorants. However, these is a question that remains unanswered: can artificial dyes be detected on bleached hair or bleaching can be used to fully erase information about hair coloring? In this study, we report experimental results that provide a clear answer to this question. We show that infrared analysis can be used to differentiate between undyed bleached hair and hair that was colored with both permanent and semi-permanent dyes prior to bleaching. We also show that IR analysis can be used to distinguish between undyed unbleached and undyed bleached hair. We demonstrate that in combination with multivariate statistical analysis, IR analysis can be used to distinguish with 96-100% accuracy between those hair classes.