Hair Cover Research Articles

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Food Handlers in Mettu Town, Southwest Ethiopia.

Food handlers are important sources of intestinal parasitic infection to the public and mass catering service areas. Several reports worldwide particularly in developing countries showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among these groups of individuals. In an attempt to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, a cross-sectional study was carried out among food handlers in food establishment areas of Mettu town, Southwest Ethiopia. To collect sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants, a structured questionnaire and physical observation were employed. Stool specimens collected from each food handlers participated in the study were then examined using light microscopy of the wet mount followed by formol-ether concentration methods to see infection status. A total of 139 food handlers were enrolled in the study. Majority of them were females 89 (64%), and 124 (89.2%) of them had not taken any training related to food handling and preparation. Sixty-two (44.6%) of the study participants were diagnosed with one or more intestinal parasites. The chi-square test showed that intestinal parasite infection was found associated with personal hygiene (p ≤ 0.0001), nail trimming status (p ≤ 0.0001), and hair cover status (p ≤ 0.040). The multivariable logistic regression indicated that the risk to be infected with intestinal parasites were related with older age (p ≤ 0.032), food handlers who had no hand wash practices (p ≤ 0.033), who had no food handling and preparation training (p ≤ 0.005), poor personal hygiene (p ≤ 0.0001), who had not taken regular medical checkup (p ≤ 0.008), and whose nail was not trimmed (p ≤ 0.0001). The most abundant intestinal parasite identified was G. lamblia (24, 26.7%) followed by E. histolytica/dispar (22, 24.4%), and A. lumbricoides (15, 16.7%). Twenty-eight (45.2%) study individuals were also found with mixed infections. The study thus revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among apparently healthy food handlers in food establishments of the study area. Mass drug administration for all food handlers working in food establishment areas of the town coupled with health education and training should be initiated urgently.

BIOLOGICAL AND ADAPTIVE ABILITIES OF YOUNG CATTLE OF HEREFORD AND ABERDEEN-ANGUS BREEDS AND THEIR CROSS-BREEDS IN ARID TERRITORIES OF WEST KAZAKHSTAN REGION

In recent years, there has been a persistent anomalous development of the climate. As a result of which pastures have been scorched, the yield of hayfields has sharply decreased, and temperature drops have been observed. In these conditions, the scientifically grounded choice of the breed and the creation of new genotypes adapted to local conditions and market requirements is an urgent problem. The object of the study were young stock (bulls-calves, heifer calves) and adult cattle (cows) of the Hereford, Aberdeen-Angus, and Kazakh whiteheaded breeds and young cattle cross-breeds of Hereford and Aberdeen-Angus bulls with scrub cattle. The article presents the analysis and determination of the breed resources of beef cattle for obtaining environmentally-safe beef. The study was conducted to establish the degree of adaptation of non-Kazakhstani beef breeds to the natural and climatic conditions of the West Kazakhstan region. Cross-bred animals had more pronounced adaptive properties in terms of hair cover and hair structure of the 1st and 2nd control groups. Simultaneously, in terms of main parameters of changes in hair cover and hair structure, purebred animals of the Hereford and Aberdeen-Angus breeds of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups, in general, were characterized by rather good adaptive properties depending on changes in the external environment. The data on the biochemical composition of blood indicated the normal physiological state of animals of all groups. They showed good adaptive capabilities to the sharply continental climate of the steppes and semidesert of West Kazakhstan in animals of all groups.

Quality of hair-coat covering and skin of Karakul lambs bred in Kalmykia

Karakul breed of sheep is one of the oldest breeds. For the development of semi-desert pastures more than 176 thousand heads of Karakul sheep of gray and black colors were brought to the Republic of Kalmykia from the republics of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Scientists of the Kalmyk Scientifi c and Research Institute of Agriculture and practical breeders were tasked with creating specialized herds of Karakul sheep of diff erent colors and krimmer lamb types that produce high-grade krimmer lambs. The purpose of the research was to study the quality of hair-coat covering and skin of Karakul lambs bred in Kalmykia. Some qualities of the hair-coat covering and skin of gray and black Karakul lambs in the APC “Polynny” and “Erdnievsky” have been analyzed in the article. The physical and mechanical parameters of the hair-coat covering and skin of Karakul lambs have been studied: the length of the hair in the curl, the hair tone, the degree of silkiness and shine, and the total thickness of the skin. Karakul lambs of black and gray color have diff erent properties of hair-coat covering; lambs of gray color have longer and thinner hair, relatively less shiny, dense hair-coat covering. The average length of white hairs in the rump area of the gray karakul was by 2,4±0,2 mm or 22 %, black hairs by 0,3±0,2 mm or 2,7 %, in the withers by 2,0±0,3 mm and 0,2±0,3 mm longer, respectively, than in similar areas of the black karakul skins. In the lambs of gray color more thick and rather loose skin than in lambs black color. Thus, the skin thickness of gray lambs was by 176 microns or 6,7 % more than black lambs. The primary follicles of white hairs are by 559 microns deeper, and the secondary follicles are 200 microns deeper than the hair follicles of black lambs. Features of the hair cover of lambs of diff erent colors are shown in absolutely identical conditions of feeding and housing, these diff erences should be taken into account when improving of Karakul sheep.

Hair Covering Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Is Essential Need for Frontline Healthcare Workers – Fight Against COVID_19

Protective gears are recommended for airborne diseases transmitted through small particles (droplets), for this reason, the term “PPE” has become popular and much spoken of since the outbreak of COVID-19. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment (Osha, 2019). PPE is used in most professions where the potential risk of contracting the deadly virus is high. The focus of this article will be on the healthcare sector and what significant role PPE plays in combating COVID_19 pandemic. To continually contribute to the literature, this article seeks to address how incomplete PPE can affect and increase the risk of contracting the deadly virus. Healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, and caregivers have been and still are in the frontline fighting the COVID_19 virus, as a result, there is the need for a complete PPE including hair covering, face shields and surgical masks, to help keep them safe from contracting this transferable virus.

Look closely and listen carefully: unexpected cicada diversity in northern Sardinia, with the description of a new species (Cicadidae: Tibicina)

Abstract Integrative taxonomy combines different data sources as a way to detect separately evolving metapopulation lineages or species. This method is applied to cicada populations found in northern Sardinia, based on acoustic, morphological and ecological data. Thereby, the genus Tibicina turned out to be more diverse than previously expected. Besides the anticipated Tibicina corsica corsica and T. nigronervosa, both scientifically described from the neighbouring island of Corsica, two poorly or previously unknown species have been discovered. Tibicina longisyllaba sp. nov. is here described as new. Tibicina corsica s.l. forms a small species complex where syllable periods of the song – the movement cycle of the acoustic organs – are specific without overlaps. Some coloration and hair cover characters, as well as the shape of the song apparatus, are not diagnostic on their own, but highly significant between species. Species occur sympatrically, parapatrically or allopatrically and prefer specific habitats from grassland to closed forests. All four Tibicina taxa are endemic to parts of Sardinia or to the Corso-Sardinian archipelago. The new findings are important for biodiversity conservation and public awareness. The loud, strident calling songs dominate the summer sounds of the islands. The group could form a showcase with respect to biogeography, phylogeny, speciation and sound production.

Malignant cutaneous tumours of the scalp: always remember to examine the head.

Around 2% of cutaneous neoplasms arise in the scalp (scalp tumours: STs). They can be classified as primary STs (epithelial, melanocytic and adnexal) or metastatic (from distal tumours or as a spreading from contiguous structures). This anatomic location is usually poorly examined during dermatological consultations, also due to the presence of the hair cover. Moreover, self-examination of the hair-covered skin is often harder for the patient. The peculiar features of the scalp may explain the worse prognosis of STs compared with neoplasms of other locations. The hair coverage protects the scalp from UV radiations, but due to the complex pathogenesis of STs, they may also develop in younger patients. Until now, STs have been not extensively investigated in the dermatological literature, and most publications are written by otolaryngologists, or by head, neck and plastic surgeons. Thus, dermatologists above all have the opportunity and the task to explore the scalp carefully, with the opportunity to make an early diagnosis, possibly changing the patient's prognosis. The aim of this paper was to review the main STs in order to increase awareness among dermatology specialists.

Hair transplantation by follicular unit extraction for male androgenetic alopecia: A retrospective observational study from two centers

BackgroundFollicular unit extraction (FUE) is the most popular method of hair transplantation in today's world. Hair transplantation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in males can restore the frontal hairline and provide hair density in alopecic areas to the satisfaction of most patients. MethodsConsecutive male patients of AGA who underwent hair transplantation by FUE method in two centers between the period of January 2016 and June 2017 have been included in this study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Photographic images, trichoscopy and Likert's scale were used to assess patient's improvement in hair density after the transplantation procedure. Statistical methods using SPSS software was used to analyze the results. Institutional ethical clearance and patients' written consent for procedure and images was obtained. The study was an observational retrospective study using data and images from records for which consent and ethical clearance was obtained from patients and the institution. ResultsAverage number of follicular units transplanted in patients was 1290 (improvement in hair density: of 30.61 follicular units/sq cm). There was a statistically significant difference in improvement in hair density in patients younger than 33 years and in patients with Norwood classification below stage 4a. Forty-nine patients were satisfied with the results after assessment by the Likert scale. ConclusionHair transplantation by follicular extraction method provides good hair cover in AGA in males. This modern dermatosurgical technique with its many innovations is a very helpful technique to improve quality of life in male pattern baldness.

Combating the COVID-19 battle with personal protective equipment (PPE) armamentarium.

Combating the COVID-19 battle with personal protective equipment (PPE) armamentarium.

Морфологические особенности общего покрова у длинноволосых пород кошачьих

The article presents a comparative characteristic of the skin in long-haired cat breeds based on the use of morphological research methods, including anatomical preparation, light microscopy of histological sections, micromorphometry and statistical analysis of the obtained digital data. The general patterns and breed characteristics of the skin in long-haired cats have been established, taking into account its anatomical and topographic features. An inverse relationship was found between the thickness of the epidermis and the thickness of the hair cover in the studied animals, regardless of breed. The specific glomerular design of collagen structures of the dermis was established in all long-haired cat breeds. It has been shown that the depth of the hair follicles and the density of the hair are determined by the topical features of the skin.

Approaches to the wardrobe challenges of Muslim women in the west

PurposeThis study aims to identify the challenges of Muslim women in terms of their dress code in Western society by including their clothing needs in the strategies of the fashion industry and marketing. The study focuses on wardrobe choices that have helped overcome these challenges and facilitated Muslim women’s integration into western society.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive statistics were used in this study through a questionnaire that was distributed among 265 randomly selected Muslim women in London, UK. The results have been presented in charts showing the percentages and frequencies of the different behaviors and challenges that were faced by Muslim women in the west.FindingsThe majority of the study sample preferred to use a variety of modern fashion trends from global brands to integrate with the community. The essential criteria for the Muslim women’s clothing choices include head hair cover and conservative full-length clothes that are non-transparent that cover the neck and chest area.Originality/valueA study has investigated the clothing needs and behaviors of Muslim women in the west for their community integration. It analyzed the results and linked them with the role and contributions of designers, producers and fashion marketers in accepting the western society of Muslims and their integration with its members.

Food safety profile of street food vending units in Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A cross-sectional study

Background:: The burgeoning street food sector despite being an affordable source of fast, tasty meals, pose significant challenges to food safety. This study was conducted to assess knowledge of foodborne diseases among food handlers in street food units of Chennai, Tamil Nadu and describe their food safety profile. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among street food units of Chennai, Tamil Nadu between August and October 2016, using multi-stage sampling method. A pretested schedule with following sections was employed in local language: sociodemographic and food business characteristics; knowledge on foodborne diseases; personal habits and hygiene of food handlers and an observational checklist for environmental and work surface hygiene. Results :Majority food handlers (62%) were aged 26 to 45 years; 26.5% lacked formal education. Among 200 units studied, 62% functioned part-time; 89% were unregistered. Three-fourth of food handlers had heard about foodborne diseases; 9% used hair cover while cooking; 35% wore aprons; 51% had trimmed nails; 5.5% wore gloves while serving; 34.5% washed hands with soap before cooking. Eighty percent units had own water source for cooking and 61% for washing; 23.5% had nearby restrooms; 59.5% had hand washing facility; 52% had solid-waste disposal facility; 66% units stored raw and cooked foods separately. Knowledge on foodborne diseases showed significant association with age and educational status of participants (P<0.05).Conclusion: Our study observed an unsatisfactory level of knowledge on foodborne diseases, inadequate individual hygiene, environmental safety and food handling practices, underscoring the necessity for targeted educational and regulatory measures.

Influence of the content of impurities and greasy on the results of heat resistance and hair cover dielectricity on the basis of wool from Huacaya alpaca and Racka sheep

Influence of the content of impurities and greasy on the results of heat resistance and hair cover dielectricity on the basis of wool from Huacaya alpaca and Racka sheep

Comparative evidence for the independent evolution of hair and sweat gland traits in primates

Humans differ in many respects from other primates, but perhaps no derived human feature is more striking than our naked skin. Long purported to be adaptive, humans' unique external appearance is characterized by changes in both the patterning of hair follicles and eccrine sweat glands, producing decreased hair cover and increased sweat gland density. Despite the conspicuousness of these features and their potential evolutionary importance, there is a lack of clarity regarding how they evolved within the primate lineage. We thus collected and quantified the density of hair follicles and eccrine sweat glands from five regions of the skin in three species of primates: macaque, chimpanzee and human. Although human hair cover is greatly attenuated relative to that of our close relatives, we find that humans have a chimpanzee-like hair density that is significantly lower than that of macaques. In contrast, eccrine gland density is on average 10-fold higher in humans compared to chimpanzees and macaques, whose density is strikingly similar. Our findings suggest that a decrease in hair density in the ancestors of humans and apes was followed by an increase in eccrine gland density and a reduction in fur cover in humans. This work answers long-standing questions about the traits that make human skin unique and substantiates a model in which the evolution of expanded eccrine gland density was exclusive to the human lineage.

Food safety practices and quality control in departmental stores in Awka Urban

The study examined food safety practice and quality control of departmental stores in Awka urban. The population of the study comprised one hundred and fifty (150) workers in the departmental stores (farmer’s market unit) in Awka urban. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analysed using percentage and mean. The major findings show that the workers are aware of food safety practices that should be observed in a departmental store (farmers market) as the preserve their perishable foods in cold rooms, chillers and refrigerators. They wash their hands after touching foods and using the toilets. They observed some personal hygiene like the using of apron, hair cover or caps and hand gloves. Their major challenge is the issues of poor power supply and water.

МИКРОВОЛНОВЫЕ УСТАНОВКИ С НЕТРАДИЦИОННЫМИ РЕЗОНАТОРАМИ ДЛЯ СБОРА ПУХА СО ШКУР КРОЛИКОВ

The paper describes the developed ultrahigh-frequency installations with toroidal and conical resonators used for separating rabbits’ fur from hides providing high electric field strength, continuity of the technological process while observing radio-tightness and improving the quality of fluff by improving microwave technology and ultra-high-frequency installations. The technological process of collecting hair from rabbits’ skins in a microwave device with toroidal resonators is due to the weakening of the retention of the hair cover in hair follicles during the selective dielectric heating of the components of the skin and the spraying of the brine. In a biconical resonator, it is possible to obtain the highest possible high quality factor due to small longitudinal currents in the walls. The presence of gaps in the outermost regions provides the ability to move the skin through the internal cavity of the biconical resonator, where the emitters are located in the region of its maximum diameter.

Taxonomy and Natural History of Strumigenys thaxteri Wheeler and Strumigenys reticeps (Kempf) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

We report finding Strumigenys thaxteri Wheeler in the Amazonian foothills of southeastern Ecuador, over 2000 km to the west of previously known records for the species in Trinidad and Guyana. Field observations suggest it is a sit and wait ambush predator that captures insects that alight on the vegetation upon which they position themselves. Once prey is subdued they descend with it to ground level, where they presumably nest. Their massive mandibles, robust claws, dense body cover of long silky hairs, and sting may all contribute to detecting, trapping, and subduing larger sized, flying prey. This type of predation is hitherto unreported for the genus. Strumigenys reticeps (Kempf), an apparently closely related species from southern Brazil, may share the same behavior but its key morphological traits are of a lesser degree of development than in S. thaxteri. Both species are redescribed and their morphological variability is discussed. High resolution images of both species are provided. The more frequent use of vegetation beating for ant-collecting is urged. Strumigenys lojanensis Lattke Aguirre is synonymized as a junior synonym of S. onorei Baroni Urbani De Andrade.

A study on personal protective equipment use among health care providers, Tamil Nadu

Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) limits the health care workers contact with all secretions or biological products. This study was planned to find gaps between use of PPE among the health care providers (HCPs). The objective of the study was to evaluate appropriate use of PPE among health care providers in tertiary centres Tamil Nadu.Methods: A cross sectional study was done during November 2014 to October 2015 in two tertiary health care institutions. All health care providers (Doctors, nurses and technicians) who had more than one year experience and gave informed consent were included. Data collected by pretested structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20v and summarized by descriptive statistics. Proportion and Chi-square was calculated at 5% α.Results: HCPs included in the study were 1060. Among them, there were 412(38.9%) doctors, 550 (51.9%) nurses and 98 (9.2%) technicians. Among 862 HCPs who work outside the operation theatre (OT) and ICU, appropriate uses of PPE were only 156 (18.1%). It was high among doctors 109 (31.5%) followed by nurses 39 (9.3%) and technicians 8 (8.2%) which was statistically significant p=0.0001. HCPs working in OT and ICU were 423 and 183 respectively. Among HCPs working in OT, appropriate use of gloves, mask, apron, gown and hair cover was 100%. But the use of goggles and shoe cover was very low. The reasons for inappropriate use of PPE was non availability 562 (78%) followed by not aware of the importance 77 (11%).Conclusions: The study showed inappropriate use and lack of adequate knowledge on infection control practices emphasizing that periodic re-training is needed.

Study of microwave device with toroidal resonators for the removal of hair cover from rabbit skin in a continuous mode

In rabbit breeding farms, collecting hair from the skins of White Giant breed rabbits is an actual problem. Therefore, the technical task is to develop a device providing a weakening of the hair cover retention in the dermis of brine-moistened rabbit skins by the multiple exposure of the electromagnetic field of the ultrahigh frequency (EMFUHF) and pneumatic conveying of the fluff. The scientific idea involving the heat treatment of rabbit skin by repeated exposure to EMFUHF in toroidal perforated resonators in continuous mode was developed. A non-conventional approach to the design of resonator chambers of microwave devices with low-power magnetrons, providing for the repeated exposure of EMFUHF to raw materials to reduce its microbiological contamination was proposed. The prospective nature of the proposed technical solutions and methods for the impact of EMFUHF on rabbit skins in continuous mode, based on sound parameters of the electrodynamic system of microwave devices with toroidal resonators, having rational design and technological parameters and operating modes was proved. The developed ultrahigh-frequency device with the toroidal resonator provides for new results in achieving the continuity of the technological process of removing the hair cover from the rabbit skins during the brine spraying on the skins, high electric field strength and the resonator's own Q-factor, the uniformity of the raw material heating in the resonator; variations in the device capacity. The main components are a guide tube, a cable-washer conveyor, toroidal resonators and a pneumatic conveyor. Magnetrons were installed in the central parts of the resonators, and in the toroidal part, whose average perimeter is equal to a multiple of half the wavelength, there is a perforation. Proposals for the further improvement of microwave equipment for the removal of hair from rabbit skins in a continuous mode using the system of automated control and process control were submitted

Influence of the biologically active dietary supplement Floravit® on the skin and hair structure in sable (Martes zibellina)

It is important to search for new highly effective multicomponent compounds that are able to influence several of animals’ homeostasis systems simultaneously to improve the physiological adaptation of fur animals to different conditions of nutrition. This is the function of the feed additive Floravit® – a natural bioregulator. The compound is a combination of biologically active ingredients produced by the mycelial fungus Fusarium sambucinum. Studied was the effect of Floravit® on the structure of the skin and hair in adult female sable (Martes zibellina). The scientific and economic experiment was conducted at the JSC “Plemzavod Pushkinskyi” in the Moscow Region during the period of winter fur formation in October-November. The study of the morphological structure of the hair and skin cover was carried out in the chine, side and rump topographical areas. The structure of the guard hairs in the main topographical areas was examined on a scanning electron microscope. The experiment showed that administration of Floravit® per os to adult female sable at a dose of 1.0 ml per head per day throughout the period of winter pelt formation in October-November has an influence on the morphological structure of all the categories of hair on all topographic pelt areas. Animals in the test group exposed to Floravit® exhibited an increase in guide hair length on the chine and side, when compared to controls, by 4.1 mm (p < 0.001) and by 2.8 mm (p < 0.01), respectively. The length of guard hair on the chine, side and rump increased by 8.1, 7.8 and 7.8 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. An increase in down hair length was recorded in all areas of the pelt, when compared to controls, by 13.0, 4.5 and 6.3 mm (p < 0.001). An increase in dermal thickness was recorded in the chine area by 0.7 mm (p < 0.001). The specified changed in the skin and hair structure in sable adult females after using Floravit® have shown a positive influence on the quality of hair cover. As a result, bioregulator Floravit® takes part in the adaptation process of the sable organism to external factors.

STRUKTUR ANATOMI DAN KERAPATAN SEL SEKRESI SERTA AKTIVITAS ANTIOKSIDAN EKSTRAK ETANOL DARI RIMPANG TEMULAWAK (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb) ASAL KECAMATAN PENGARON KABUPATEN BANJAR KALIMANTAN SELATAN

This study aimed to observe the anatomical structure and density of secretory cells as well as knowing activity of ethanol extract aktioksidan associated with cell density of the rhizome of Curcuma xanthorrhiza secretion originating from Sub Pengaron Banjar regency, South Kalimantan. Making preparations rhizome anatomy carried out by using Free Hand Section, the analysis of antioxidant activity using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-pikrilhidrazil). Observations consisting of rhizome anatomical structure of cells of the epidermis, the cortex, endodermis and the central cylinder. In epidermal cells contained little hair cover, the cortex and central cylinder composed of parenchymal cells, cell secretion and the carrier files. The antioxidant activity of ethanol extract obtained from the calculation rhizome Consentrasion inhibition (IC50) ranged from 17.70 to 55.22 ppm. IC50 value of 17.70 ppm rhizome ethanol extract has antioxidant activity 5 times weaker compared to the control of vitamin C (IC50 3.71 ppm) and 3 times weaker than BHT (IC 50 5.57 ppm). At 55.22 ppm IC50 extract has antioxidant activity 15 times weaker compared to the control of vitamin C and 10 times weaker than the BHT. Secretory cell density relationship with the antioxidant activity in test with linear regression analysis showed that there was no relationship between the density of secretory cells per unit area with antioxidant activity in the rhizome of Curcuma xanthorrhiza.