Hair Fragments Research Articles

Raman Microspectroscopy of Hair: Low-Frequency Markers of Protein Secondary Structure.

Low-frequency intervals that can be used to study the secondary structure of proteins are determined. Compared are Ramanspectra of keratins from unpigmented human hair, measured in two experimental configurations: with excitation radiation coaxial with the hair and perpendicular to it. Based on the polarization sensitivity, the bands peaked at 150 and 221 cm-1 are assigned to vibrations of α-helical structures. The comparison of Raman spectra of hair fragments with different contents of secondary structure elements shows that the vibrations of β-structure are manifested in a spectral interval of 270-340 cm-1. The results obtained for a particular object (hair keratin) can be used in the study of the secondary structure of proteins.

A prospective study evaluating the adhesive tape impression for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats.

Potential contagion and zoonotic risk make rapid diagnosis of dermatophytosis important amongst companion animals. To compare the adhesive tape impression (ATI), trichogram, Wood's lamp (WL) examination and fungal culture for diagnosis of dermatophytosis, and the ATI and trichogram for ease of use. Five dogs and 15 cats with consistent lesions, history and at least two positive dermatophyte test results. After WL examination, one representative lesion per patient was sampled for ATI, trichogram and fungal culture. Microscopic detection of fungal elements on ATI and trichogram were objectively and subjectively compared. The ability of all tests to correctly detect dermatophytosis, and the ability of ATI and trichogram to detect fungal elements in >20 high-powered fields (HPF) were compared using Fisher's exact tests. ATI, trichogram, fungal culture and WL were positive in 100% (20 of 20), 90% (18 of 20), 95% (19 of 20) and 65% (13 of 20) of patients, respectively, with a significant difference between WL and ATI (p = 0.0499). Fungal culture revealed Microsporum. canis (n = 16), Nannizzia gypsea (n = 1), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n = 1) and T. rubrum (n = 1). Fungal elements were detected in >20 HPF more frequently with ATI (18 of 20) than trichogram (11 of 20) (p = 0.017), and detection required careful scanning to distinguish from background debris more often with trichogram. Fungal elements were located with neutrophil clusters and keratinocyte rafts in addition to abnormal hair fragments more frequently on ATI. ATI had the highest ability to correctly diagnose dermatophytosis, and increased ease of detecting fungal elements compared to trichogram.

A 47,000 year archaeological and palaeoenvironmental record from Juukan 2 rockshelter on the western Hamersley Plateau of the Pilbara region, Western Australia

Archaeological and palaeoenvironmental investigations at Juukan 2 rockshelter have yielded new information on the ancient Aboriginal occupation of the Pilbara uplands in northwest Australia. Using multiple lines of evidence, including lithic, faunal, pollen, ancient DNA, radiocarbon dating, optically stimulated luminescence, and Bayesian chronological modelling, we show that Aboriginal people occupied the western Hamersley Plateau as early as 47,000 years ago (47 ka). Late Pleistocene populations utilised a diverse range of tool technologies, including bone points, grindstones, and flaked stone artefacts. Palaeoclimatic conditions at Juukan 2 rockshelter varied greatly over the past 47 ka, with repeated site visits by people, including during the peak hyper-arid phase of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) c. 21 ± 2 ka. Ancient starch analyses of the ground stone artefacts show the processing of Ipomoea (Bush Potato) from around 42 ka to the present day. Pronounced increases in the discard of stone artefacts and bone in the last 3500 years are interpreted to be the result of increased frequency of site use. A braided hair fragment dated to this period has demonstrated genetic links between the earlier rockshelter occupants and contemporary Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura peoples, who have maintained strong cultural connections to the area.

Epidemiological Study of the most Important Dermatophyte Infections in Musayyib General Hospital, Iraq

Background: Dermatophytes are keratophilic fungi that consider exogenous organisms, and cause serious infections of the skin, hair, and nails. The main goal of the current study is to present a survey of fungal skin infections in Musayyib general hospital of Babylon Province Iraq, through the identification of the incidence of some types of Tineae and the extent of spread in different age groups. Materials and Methods A256 patients clinically suspected of dermatophytosis, 210 were positive in direct examination and/or culture. From the positive patients' sample that includes skin scrapping, hair fragments, and nails Results The current study showed that Dermatomycosis infected in males more than females with a ratio of 151 (71.90 %) males and 59 (28.09%) females. The highest percentage of infection with Tinea capitis appeared in males , while the lowest percentage of infection with Tinea ungums with a rate equal between males and females. According to age groups. Conclusions According to the findings of the study, it absolves that although Covid 19 pandemic the world went through fundamental changes by increasing the level of understanding and awareness of people to use different sterilizers and detergents. In addition to reducing contact between people and taking care of personal hygiene. Unfortunately, these procedures did not have a positive effect on reducing dermatophytosis infection in Musayyib General Hospital.

Ein höheres glabelläres Weichteilkissen geht mit einer geringeren Inzidenz von Steißbeinfisteln einher

Abstract Background Mounting evidence links cut occipital hair fragments to the formation of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). Anatomical variations in the shape of the dorsal crest between the occiput and the upper intergluteal fold may be crucial in the downward movement of hair to the glabella sacralis region. Objective This study aims to investigate the shape and height of the glabellar cushion and their potential influence on the development of PSD. Patients and methods We established a method for capturing the shape of the thoracolumbar back down to the intragluteal fold using a structured light 3D scanning device. The soft tissue surface contour of this region was measured. We developed algorithms to extract the width and shape of the canal between the erector trunci, as well as the height of the glabellar cushion. Included were 155 individuals, 94 PSD patients and 61 without PSD. Results Glabellar height differs significantly between PSD and non-PSD cohorts. In total, PSD was associated with a 7.8 ± 3.7 mm glabellar cushion, while non-PSD patients exhibited a 9.7 ± 3.8 mm glabellar cushion (p = 0.0021). In male PSD patients, the glabellar height was 7.8 ± 3.7 mm (mean ± SD), while in female PSD patients it was 7.7 ± 3.6 mm. Conversely, non-PSD males had a glabellar cushion height of 8.9 ± 2.7 mm, and non-PSD females of 10.5 ± 4.4 mm. Conclusion A higher glabellar region is associated with a lower incidence of pilonidal sinus disease. Therefore, elevating and bolstering the glabellar region could be beneficial for preventing recurrence.

De Novo Intra-Anal Pilonidal Sinus: A Case Report

Pilonidal sinus is a disease in which chronic inflammation occurs due to involution of hair fragments into skin. Intra-anal pilonidal sinus is extremely rare condition and only 10 cases have been reported in literature, where most of them had previous history of anal or pilonidal sinus surgery. A 22 years’ male presented with the complaints of purulent discharge per rectum and itching around peri anal region on and off for 3 months. No history of previous peri anal surgery or pilonidal surgery. Proctoscopy revealed opening of sinus at 6’o clock position. Intra operatively sinus tract laid open and tuft hair was removed and cavity curetted. His post operative period was uneventful.

Assessment of mitochondrial DNA copy number variation relative to nuclear DNA quantity between different tissues

Mitochondrial DNA is a widely tested genetic marker in various fields of research and diagnostics. Nonetheless, there is still little understanding on its abundance and quality within different tissues.Aiming to obtain deeper knowledge about the content and quality of mtDNA, we investigated nine tissues including blood, bone, brain, hair (root and shaft), cardiac muscle, liver, lung, skeletal muscle, and buccal mucosa of 32 deceased individuals using two real-time quantitative PCR-based assays with differently sized mtDNA and nDNA targets.The results revealed that the quantity of nDNA is a weak surrogate to estimate mtDNA quantities among tissues of an individual, as well as tissues across individuals. Especially hair showed extreme variation, depicting a range of multiple magnitudes of mtDNA molecules per hair fragment. Furthermore, degradation can lead to fewer fragments being available for PCR. The results call for parallel determination of the quantity and quality of mtDNA prior to downstream genotyping assays.

A Single-Center Prospective Comparison of Natal Cleft Depth of 200 Patients with and without Pilonidal Sinus Disease

The etiology of primary pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) remains unclear. Current understanding suggests that sharp hair fragments from the occiput contribute to the formation of PSD. In 2009, Akinci et al. reported a correlation between PSD and a deeper natal cleft. We investigated the association between intergluteal fold (IGF) depth and PSD risk using a standardized five-step measuring protocol. Our study included 95 PSD patients and 105 non-PSD individuals, and measurements were taken from the glabella sacralis to the anus in a controlled in-house setting after obtaining informed consent from voluntary participants of a northern German population. The mean (± SD) intergluteal depth progressively increased from the intergluteal opening at the glabella sacralis at 9.1 (± 3.4) mm to a maximum of 62.6 (± 10.4) mm. Notably the deepest point was consistently observed at the anus, where PSD occurence is rare. No significant difference in intergluteal fold depth between PSD and non-PSD patients was found. Additionally, PSD predominantly developed in the proximal (cranial) third of the intergluteal fold, despite the maximum depth being in the distal region. These findings suggest that intergluteal fold depth is not a risk factor for PSD.

In vitro and ex vivo antibiofilm activity of riparin 1, and its nor and dinor homologs, against dermatophytes

ABSTRACT Dermatophytosis is one of the most frequent superficial mycoses in the world. They are mainly caused by the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis. Biofilm production is an essential factor in the pathogenesis of dermatophytes; it confers drug resistance and significantly impairs antifungal effectiveness. Therefore, we evaluated the antibiofilm activity of an alkamide-type alkaloid called riparin 1 (RIP1) against clinically relevant dermatophytes. We also produced synthetic nor (NOR1) and dinor (DINOR1) homologs for pharmacological evaluation, with a 61–70% yield. We used in vitro (96-well polystyrene plates) and ex vivo (hair fragments) models to verify the effects of these compounds on the formation and viability of biofilms. RIP1 and NOR1 showed antifungal activity against strains of T. rubrum and M. canis, but DINOR1 showed no significant antifungal activity against the dermatophytes. Furthermore, RIP1 and NOR1 significantly reduced the viability of biofilms in vitro and ex vivo (P < 0.05). RIP1 was more potent than NOR1, possibly due to the distance between the p-methoxyphenyl and the phenylamide moieties in these compounds. Due to the significant antifungal and antibiofilm activities observed for RIP1 and NOR1, we suggest that they could be useful in the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Hair cortisol levels in cats with and without behavioural problems.

The aim of the study was to analyse hair cortisol levels in cats whose owners had reported behavioural problems and undesirable behaviour. In addition, feline hair cortisol levels were compared between sexes, for indoor and outdoor cats and also for cats living in single or multi-cat households. In total, 55 cats participated in the study, including 31 females and 24 males from various households. The cats belonged to 25 different owners who answered a questionnaire survey. The biological material used for the research were 2-3 cm fragments of hair removed at the level of the skin with scissors by the owners from the cats' lumbosacral area. The cortisol concentration in the samples was determined with the DRG Salivary Cortisol HS ELISA. Statistical analysis of the results was performed with Statistica 13.3. A tendency toward lower cortisol levels was found in outdoor cats vs indoor cats (U = 251.5, P = 0.066). It was also found that the cats exhibiting behavioural problems (eg, house soiling [eliminating outside the litter box]) or aggressive behaviour towards household members had statistically significantly higher hair cortisol levels (U = 162.0 [P = 0.027] and U = 9.0 [P = 0.040], respectively). High levels of stress in cats can affect their interactions with other cats and with humans. The incidence of undesirable behaviour was observed more frequently in indoor cats. Significantly higher cortisol levels were found in cats that eliminated outside the litter box or that showed aggression towards their owners.

ULTRASOUND EVALUATION OF UMBILICAL PILONIDAL SINUS

Introduction: Pilonidal sinus is a chronic inammatory disorder caused by a hair fragment penetrating the skin &amp; producing a foreign body reaction leading to the formation of sinus coated with granulation tissue. Pilonidal sinus occurs in many areas of the body such as sacro-coccygeal region, web of ngers, umbilicus, shaft of penis, breast, axilla , perineum, nose etc. Aims: To study the role of ultrasound in Umbilical pilonidal sinus. Materials &amp; methods: Study includes 6 patients who were diagnosed to have Umbilical pilonidal sinus on ultrasound. Results: Ultrasound diagnosis of Pilonidal sinus in all 6 patients was conrmed during surgery &amp; on histopathological studies of surgical specimen. Conclusions: Ultrasound is an important tool in diagnosing Umbilical Pilonidal Sinus.

Hipotricose congênita (mutação KRT71) em gado Hereford no Uruguai

ABSTRACT: Hypotrichosis congenita is a significant disease in Hereford cattle in Uruguay and has been reported worldwide. However, the causal mutation KRT71 has only been recently identified. This communication describes the clinical, histopathological, trichographic, and genetic findings of KRT71-hypotrichosis congenita observed in Hereford calves from two commercial farms. Five affected newborn calves, born in a herd of 15 purebred Polled HF cows, were examined in Farm 1, and one weaned calf in Farm 2. Skin biopsies for histopathology, hair samples for trichogram, and blood samples for genotyping were obtained from affected and control calves and the sire bull and mother cows. Affected animals exhibited a light brown coat with sparse, thin, curly or woolly haircoat. Hypotrichotic skin was dry, erythematous, and scaly. Trichogram analysis revealed thin, fragmented, curly hairs with irregular macro-melanosome groups. The main histopathological findings included marked follicular dysplasia with vacuolation, abnormally large trichohyaline granules in Huxley’s layer, and multiple melanin aggregates in hair fragments, matrix cells, and dysplastic follicles. There were no histological lesions of dermatitis. DNA analysis confirmed that hypotrichotic calves were homozygous for the KRT71 mutation, while one control calf, the bull, and cows in Farm 2 were heterozygous carriers. In conclusion, hypotrichosis congenita in Hereford cattle due to the KRT71 mutation is a color dilution follicular dysplasia.

8482 An Unusual Presentation of Granulomatous Peritonitis Following Cystectomy for Mature Teratoma

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To highlight granulomatous peritonitis as a potential complication of cyst content spillage during laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for mature teratoma. To describe the first known case of granulomatous peritonitis infiltrating the right hemidiaphragm, leading to right-sided pneumonia and requiring a partial diaphragmatic resection. To review prevention and treatment strategies of granulomatous peritonitis following ovarian cystectomy for mature cystic teratoma. <h3>Design</h3> Case report. <h3>Setting</h3> Community hospital. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> 1 patient. <h3>Interventions</h3> Surgical intervention consisting of extensive resection of disease, including laparoscopy converted to midline laparotomy, left salpingo-oopherectomy, omentectomy, partial bladder cystectomy, liver wedge resection, diaphragm stripping, partial resection of diaphragm, mesenteric nodule resection, appendectomy, repair of both large and small bowel; as well as resection of anterior abdominal wall disease. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Pathology demonstrated recurrent mature cystic teratoma, abundant hair fragments and associated foreign body type granulomatous reaction. The patient was asymptomatic at 9 months after surgical intervention. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Awareness of granulomatous peritonitis, and the potential extent of disease, as a complication of dermoid cyst rupture is paramount. Cyst content spillage is often challenging to avoid, and copious irrigation is advised if spillage occurs - yet may still not successfully prevent peritonitis. Route of cystectomy should be carefully considered to minimize risk of spillage. Ultimately, maintaining an index of suspicion for this diagnosis when a patient presents with vague or unusual symptoms following laparoscopic cystectomy for mature dermoid may expedite appropriate care, which may include extensive surgical resection.

Pitfalls, challenges and caveats in whole mitochondrial genome sequencing from hair shafts by MPS: Where, when and how to address them

The growing use of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) for the whole mitochondrial genome analysis in forensic laboratories, requires the establishment of efficient workflows and interpretation procedures, to support the feasibility of the technology and the reliability of the data. In the case of reference samples, such as blood and buccal swabs, the generation of mtDNA profiles by using MPS is relatively simple. Conversely, many forensic casework samples still pose challenges for the MPS, data interpretation and reporting of mtDNA. This is especially true for the analysis of shed hairs, which are one of the most common evidence types and which are among the most limited in terms of DNA quantity and quality. Due to these limitations, every step involved in the analysis become essentials and should be performed in order to obtain the best performance, optimizing the outcomes and minimizing the errors.In light of this, we present a study focusing on the extraction, quantification and MPS of the whole mtDNA in hair shafts, with the aims of set-up and validate a methodological pipeline to obtain the best sequencing results. The overall performance of the MPS panel, mainly in terms of total coverage, amplicons coverage and different primer pools efficiency, was evaluated also in relation to the different hair fragments, the mtDNA copy number used for libraries preparation and its degradation state.

Cutaneous Pili Migrans: A Rare Case from North India

Cutaneous Pili Migrans (CPM) is a rare creeping eruption with only 40 cases reported so far. CPM is defined as a condition where a hair shaft or fragments gets embedded in superficial skin. It is known to affect both adults and children. We report a 23-year-old male patient who presented with sudden sharp pain in the foot on walking. Cutaneous examination revealed a black linear thread-like lesion on the medial plantar aspect of the right great toe associated with mild to moderate tenderness. The particle was removed by superficial paring along with gentle forceps extraction. Microscopic examination confirmed it to be a hair shaft fragment. While the exact etiology of CPM is unclear, it is proposed to be an acquired condition. Since it can mimic other creeping eruptions like Larva migrans, it is important to be aware of this condition.

Archaeological Recovery of Late Pleistocene Hair and Environmental DNA from Interior Alaska

ABSTRACT Ancient hair and remnant plant DNA are important environmental proxies that preserve for millennia in specific archaeological contexts. However, recovery has been rare from late Pleistocene sites and more may be found if deliberately sought. Once discovered, singular hair fragments are not easily identified to taxa through comparative analyses and environmental DNA (eDNA) extraction can be difficult depending on preservation or contamination. In this paper, we present our methods for the combined recovery of ancient hair specimens and eDNA from sediments to improve our understanding of late Pleistocene environments from the Holzman site along Shaw Creek in interior Alaska. The approach serves as a useful case study for learning more about local environmental changes.

Dermatophytosis: An Epidemiological Study in a Tertiary Care Center in Rural Sind

Aims and Objects: Dermatophytosis is a common infection worldwide, and a major public health issue. Hot, humid climates and overcrowding favor the spread of skin infection in general populations. The purpose of the study is to analyze the prevalence of disease in patients attending the outpatient department of dermatology PUMHS-W Nawabshah. &#x0D; Methodology: The study type is cross-sectional, conducted at departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences, Nawabshah, for 3 months, (June 1st, 2020 to August 31st, 2020) after written permission from ERC. A total of 93 cases were included.&#x0D; Skin scraping, nail clippings, hair fragments, and scalp, samples were acquired from patients approaching the Outpatient department. Wood /s lamp examination was carried out in all patients. By using 20% potassium hydroxide (KOH) on a glass slide with the sample and passing over the flame 2-3 times. After confirmation, the samples were streaked on the sterilized Sabouraud dextrose agar medium containing antibiotic, Petri plates were incubated at 25-28 °C for two weeks, all cases were directed towards the microscopic examination, and results were entered into SPSS 20 analyzed and tabulated.&#x0D; Results: Out of 93 suspects 84 (90.3%) samples were positive for fungal infection, and among them, 68 (73.1%) cases gave positive growth, Male predominance is noticed with 60%.Tinea corporis 45.6%is on the top of the list causing infection and T. unguium is the least common1.5%. The adult age group 20-40yrs were more affected followed by the middle-aged group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Dermatophytosis is common in the younger and adult age group, but it is prevalent in our general population irrespective of age and gender.

Estudo microscópico de páprica (Capsicum annuum L.): detecção de fraudes e matérias estranhas

Introdução: A páprica (Capsicum annuum L.) é um condimento utilizado mundialmente, produzido a partir de diversas variedades de pimentão maduro, seco e moído e está sujeita a adulterações e fraudes, além de contaminações decorrentes de falhas nas boas práticasde produção, armazenamento ou na comercialização. Objetivo: Avaliar a autenticidade e a presença de matérias estranhas em pápricas comercializadas no estado de São Paulo, assim como verificar a sua conformidade em relação à legislação nos parâmetros microscópicos. Método: Foram analisadas 43 amostras de páprica para verificação da autenticidade e para a pesquisa de matérias estranhas, utilizando método preconizado nos Métodos Oficiais da Association of Official Analytical Collaboration International. Resultados: A avaliação da autenticidade evidenciou fraude em 30,0% das amostras. O ingrediente adicionado com maior frequência foi o amido de Zea mays L. (milho), acompanhado principalmente de Bixa orellana L. (urucum). Entre as matérias estranhas detectadas, os fragmentos de pelo de roedor e os fragmentos de insetos foram os mais frequentes, presentes em 91,0% e 79,0% das amostras, respectivamente. As amostras puras apresentaram maior quantidade de fragmentos de pelo de roedor, enquanto as amostras adulteradas, maior quantidade de fragmentos de insetos. Em relação à legislação sanitária, 88,0% das amostras foram consideradas insatisfatórias, destas, 30,0% por estarem adulteradas e 77,0% por apresentarem quantidade de matérias estranhas acima do limite tolerado. Conclusões: Os resultados deste trabalho revelaram fraude e falhas nas boas práticas na cadeia produtiva da páprica, ressaltando a necessidade de intensificação da vigilância desse tipo de produto com vistas à garantia de sua oferta à população de forma fidedigna e segura.

Binding Trauma

Binding Trauma

A review of recent research on antifungal agents against dermatophyte biofilms.

This review presents the current studies on the antibiofilm activities of drugs against dermatophytes and ideal experimental conditions, which might guarantee in vitro and ex vivo biofilm formation. It can be useful to examine the efficacy of new antimicrobial drugs against dermatophytes.