Medullary Index Research Articles

Morphological study on hairs from mammalian predators in Bulgaria

Abstract. The morphological characteristics of the hairs can be used for species identification in ecological and zoological studies, in forensic and forensic veterinary examinations. Large-scale hairs model is one of the important identification features and can be used as a “fingerprint”. In this study the morphological hairs characteristics of nine Bulgarian carnivore mammals were investigated. The values for the length, total hairs diameter, medullary diameter and medullary index were determined. The combined use of hairs parameters and the medullary index (MI) are a guarantee of greater reliability in species identification. For comparison, we observed under a microscope hairs fixed by transparent tape in order to offer a quick test for species identification

A Descriptive Study of Hair Morphology of Three Carnivore families (Canidae, Ursidae and Herpestidae)

Aim: To study the morphological characteristics of dorsal guard hair of five carnivoran species native to Tamil Nadu for the creation of an identification key for application in wildlife forensics.
 Study Design: The experiment was designed to observe the physical characters of each hair strand and measure widely used morphological parameters from native species of the state. The results were compared with previous findings to validate the differences and similarities with our study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, between August 2020 and September 2021.
 Methodology: Hair samples were collected for golden jackal, Indian fox, dhole, sloth bear and Indian grey mongoose. Hair characters such as scale pattern, scale distance and scale margin, medulla structure, cortex thickness, medulla thickness, medullary index and cross-sectional structure were observed.
 Results: The hair length of golden jackal, Indian fox, dhole, sloth bear and Indian grey mongoose were as follows 44.94 ± 2.24 mm, 29.70 ± 1.51 mm, 29.60 ± 0.97 mm, 83.83 ± 2.93 mm, 54.60 ± 2.03. The cuticular characters showed few variations compared to previous studies. The medullary structure was wide medulla with vacuoles for all three canid species while sloth bear has a narrow simple unbroken medulla and Indian grey mongoose had wide medulla with lattice. The medullary index for golden jackal, Indian fox, dhole, sloth bear and Indian grey mongoose were 0.73 ± 0.05 (S.D.), 0.77 ± 0.071 (S.D.), 0.66 ± 0.06 (S.D.), 0.18 ± 0.08 (S.D.) and 0.63 ± 0.05 (S.D.) respectively.
 Conclusion: The morphometric characters of hair showed variation in scale pattern, scale margin, scale distance and medullary index when compared to the previous studies. The research was successful in creating a taxonomic key for identifying the five mammalian species from their guard hair.

Morphological differentiation of bovine and equine hair for species’ identification in forensic veterinary investigations

In this paper a morphological differentiation tool of bovine and equine hair for their identification in forensic investigations is provided. 30 animals were used, fifteen adult bovines of the “Siboney de Cuba” breed and fifteen adult equines of the “Criolla” breed. These species are the most bred in Cuba and, at the same time, the most exposed to poaching and theft crimes. Hair from the cows was sampled from the dorsal region, the lateral region and the ventral region; on the other hand, the horses’ hair was sampled from the dorsal region of the body, of the mane and of the tail. The sampled areas, different for bovine and equine, have been chosen because they represent the different types of hairs present in the two species under examination. Getty et al. (2004), infact, reported that both in cattle and horses the length and thickness of the hair is reduced in a dorsal-ventral direction towards the abdomen, increasing its density. The samples were observed at an optical microscope with LCD display, at lens 4X, 10X, 40X and 100X, to determine cuticle scales, cortex, medulla and medullary index. As a result, it was noticed that both bovine and equine hair show a morphological and histomorphometric pattern based on the characteristics of the constitutive structures: cuticle scales, cortex and medulla. The bovines show a thin cuticle, coronal scales in mosaic with serrated edges and flattened irregularly, while in the equines it is thin and imbricated with irregular waves and intermediate spaces. The cortex in the bovines is thin crust dark brown and not pigmented; in the equines the cortex is dark brown, with light texture and isolated dark brown and black pigments. In both species, the white hairs do not show pigments. Through this investigation it can be noticed that one of the most important aspects in the species identification in forensic analysis is the medullary index, since it allows differentiation between animal and human species. In the bovine it is shown with an average of 0.60, while the equine shows an average medullary index of 0.49.

27917 A hairy situation

We present a case report of a 73-year-old male dog owner who presented with multiple black and white hairs protruding from the webspace between the 4th and 5th toe. By evaluating the medullary index of the hairs, they were determined to be of canine origin. Embedded hairs, Barber’s disease, interdigital disease, or “hair splinters” can be seen in barbers, hairdressers, dog groomers, or even pet owners. It is characterized by exogenous, nonpatient hairs that become embedded in the skin, most often in the interdigital spaces.

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.

Utilization of medullary index for original dog breed identification in forensic perspective

Utilization of medullary index for original dog breed identification in forensic perspective

Utilizations of Medullary Index for Original Dog Breed Identification in Forensic Prospective

Utilizations of Medullary Index for Original Dog Breed Identification in Forensic Prospective

Karakter Morfologi Rambut Kelompok Cervidae Indonesia

Identification through animal hair character is one of a very important forensic tool given the high level of animal trade in Indonesia, one of which is the deer family (Cervidae). Indonesia has four species of Cervidae, there are Rusa timorensis (Javan deer), Rusa unicolor (Sambar deer), Muntiacus muntjak (Barking deer) and Axis kuhlii (Rusa Bawean). Until now, no information about the morphological character of Indonesian cervidae’s hair. In this study, we used 30 shaft/individual/species from Javan deer (8 individuals), Sambar deer (5 individuals), Barking deer (5 individuals) and Bawean deer (5 individual) from specimens collection of Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense (MZB) and field collections. Hairs were analyzed for macroscopic and microscopic, with several parameters of morphology, cuticular structure, medula, cross-section, and medullary index. The result showed that the special character of this family was filled lattice medulla structure and can be used for species identification.

Preliminary study on morphometric analysis of the human scalp hair for discrimination of ethnic Malay and ethnic Chinese in Malaysia

BackgroundHair is one of the most frequently encountered trace evidence in crime scenes. It has been used for differentiating races or identifying species of animals. An understanding of intra- and inter-variation of human scalp hair may enable discrimination based on ethnicity. This study aims to discriminate the ethnic Malays and ethnic Chinese in Malaysia based on three morphometric measurements of the human scalp hair.MethodThe sample group was composed of 100 Malaysians, 50 each (i.e. 25 males and 25 females) from ethnic Malays and ethnic Chinese. Each subject has provided 20 strands of hair. The hair width (HW), scale layer difference (SLD), and medullary index (MI) of each hair were determined using a compound microscope. Following that, the inter-variation of hair was evaluated according to (a) head regions, (b) sex, and (c) ethnic groups and assessed using descriptive and inferential statistics, i.e. independent t test and Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test.ResultsResults show that Malays and Chinese are different in all the three morphometries. However, Malay males are different from females only in terms of SLD, and Chinese males and females could be discriminated using MI. Next, hair originating from upper and lower head regions, regardless of ethnicity and sex, are not significantly different.ConclusionIn conclusion, Malays and Chinese could be discriminated based on morphometric measurements of scalp hair. The finding sheds new light on the feasibility of differentiating ethnic groups using physical measurements alone.

The value of intravoxel incoherent motion and arterial spin labeling MRI for evaluating early renal allograft function

Objective To assess the value of diffusion and perfusion properties of early renal allografts with intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) MR imaging. Methods Seventy-six renal allograft recipients were included from May 2014 to December 2015 in First Center Hospital of Tianjin in this prospective study. All subjects underwent conventional, IVIM and ASL MRI. Recipients were divided into 3 groups based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and chronic kidney disease: group 1, recipients with good allograft function (eGFR ≥60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2, n=44); group 2, recipients with mild to moderate impaired allograft function (30 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2≤eGFR<60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2, n=19); group 3, recipients with severe impaired allograft function (eGFR<30 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2, n=13). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (ADCslow), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (ADCfast), perfusion fraction (PF), renal blood flow (RBF) in the cortex and medullar were measured. A paired t-test was used to test the difference of cortical or medullary index values between the cortex and medulla in three groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) were used to test the difference of the index values among three groups. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the correlation of all index values with eGFR. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of using IVIM and ASL index values to discriminate different renal functions. The ROC curve and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of using IVIM and ASL alone or a combination of them to distinguish allografts with different renal functions. Results ADC, ADCslow, ADCfast values between cortex and medulla were significantly different in group 1 and 3, as well as PF in group 1 (P<0.05). ADC, ADCslow, ADCfast, PF, RBF in the cortex and ADC, PF in the medulla were significant different between group 2 and 1 (P<0.05);except PF in the medulla in group 3, other index values were significant different between group 3 and 2 (P<0.05).All index values exhibited a correlation with renal function as determined by eGFR for recipients(r were 0.603, 0.590,0.604,0.457,0.552,0.552,0.579,0.425,0.673 respectivily, P<0.01). ADC, ADCslow, ADCfast, PF, RBF in the cortex and ADC in the medulla showed a relatively high diagnostic efficacy to discriminate renal allografts with different functions. Cortical ADC showed a better diagnostic efficacy(Z=2.699,P=0.007) than cortical ADCslow when distinguishing group 1 from 2.The combination of IVIM and ASL MRI showed a better diagnostic efficacy to distinguish group 1 from 2 than IVIM and ASL MRI alone, with an AUC of 0.969, a sensitivity of 100.0% and a specificity of 93.2% (P<0.05). Conclusions IVIM and ASL MRI can evaluate the diffusion and perfusion properties of renal allografts. A combination of IVIM and ASL MRI can better distinguish different functional allografts. Key words: Kidney transplantation; Renal function insufficiency; Magnetic resonance imaging; Comparative study

Relative studies between hair index, hair area, and medullary index with age and sex in Thai scalp hair

Human scalp hair is one of the most common trace materials found at violent crime scenes. Accordingly, scalp hair is critical evidential material in forensic investigations for identifying relations and persons, which could result in solving cases. Knowledge about micro-morphological variations of scalp hair in the Thai population, however, is scarce, and information on age changes and sex differences with respect to these traits is limited. The present study was thus undertaken to explore three micro-morphological parameters of Thai scalp hair—hair index (HI), hair area (HA), medullary index (MI)—relative to age and sex differences. Scalp hair samples were collected from 340 unrelated Thai cadavers (170 male, 170 female) of all ages, which were divided into seventeen age groups, 5-year-old interval per group beginning with 0–5years and ending up with ≥80 years. Approximately 30 hair strands at the posterior vertex region of the scalp were cut with scissors as close to the scalp as possible. The hair samples were subsequently used to make permanent slides, and the mounted hairs were examined for microscopic cross-sectional characteristics. The authors found that the HI and MI were similar in the male and female cadavers and did not significantly differ (p>0.05) according to age. In contrast, the HA was significantly different between the male and female cadavers at 50–69years of age (p<0.05). There were other differences according to age as well. That is, the HA increased abruptly during their early twenties and then decreased gradually until ≥80 years of age. Thus, Thai scalp hair shows some age and sex variations that are reflected in the HA and might be useful for forensic, medical, and anthropological investigations.

SEM Study of Hair Cuticle in Some Canidae Breeds

Hair fibre study is very actual due to its implications especially in forensic medical expertise. The usual and SEM microscopic morphology of primary hair fibres collected from mature male dogs of five well-known breeds: Husky, Bichon Maltese, Golden retriever, Labrador and German Shepherd were studied. Descriptive observations and quantitative data obtained by micrometry do not lead to significant differences to permit identification of one breed by simple hair examination. Nonetheless, comparing the quantitative parameters of hair fibre obtained in our study with those known in specialty literature on human hair, we can conclude that there are differences among medullary index values and the index could be an identification criterion.

Morphological Characteristics of the Thymus in Wistar Rats in Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage

We report here studies on the structure of the thymus in 108 Wistar rats with different predicted levels of resistance to emotional stress in experimentally modeled intracerebral hemorrhage. Changes in the thymus occurring in intracerebral hemorrhage were associated with both the stereotypical stress response and the development of an immune response to damaged brain tissue: there were decreases in relative thymus weight and the cortical:medullary index, along with increases in the volume proportions of the capsule and connective tissue septa; a vascular reaction was also noted, with stasis, diapedesis, and perivascular edema. These changes were most marked in rats with a predisposition to emotional stress.

Identification of dorsal guard hair of seven species of the family cercopithecidae (Primates: mammalia)

Dorsal guard hair of the Cercopithecid mammals viz. Macaca fascicularis, M. nemestrina, M. silenus, M. radiata, M. mulatta, M. assamensis, and M. arctoides have been studied by the help of Light microscope. The characteristic features like transverse section, scale pattern and margin, scale margin distance, scale count, medullary configuration, medullary index, side to side cuticular scale length, and proximodistal cuticular scale length of hair provided key to identify concerned species correctly.

Histomorphological and Quantitative Characteristics of Black and Gray Human Scalp Hair

The objective of the present study was to understand the histomorphological and quantitative characteristics of black and gray human scalp hair. A total of 440 hair samples (220 black hairs and 220 gray hairs) were collected from 22 adult Bengalee males of West Bengal, aged between 30- 80 years. The hair samples were washed, scanned and measured by standard techniques. Medullary index was calculated. Comparison of medullation types revealed that continuous type of medulltion was more common (44.09%) in gray scalp hair compared to the black scalp hair (12.72%). Medullation was absent in 48.18% black scalp hair. However, the occurrence of discontinuous medulation was nearly equal in both black and gray scalp hair (39.09% vs. 38.63%). Crenate type of cuticle was more common than flattened in both types of scalp hair, although the prevalence was comparatively higher in gray scalp hair (71.80%) than black scalp hair (67.70%). Compared to the black scalp hair, gray scalp hair revealed significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean medullary diameter and medullary index. However, there was no significant difference in the mean shaft diameter between black and gray scalp hair, though, a trend of higher shaft diameter in gray scalp hair was observed.

Hair characteristics of four Indian bear species

Dorsal guard hairs of four species of bear (family: Ursidae) found in India were characterized using light microscopy by studying features including colour, hair thickness, cuticle pattern, medulla pattern, medullary index, cross-section and scale count index. The gross cuticular pattern was quite similar for the four species but a distinct difference was observed in the scale count index. Medulla type was narrow and amorphous with a very low medullary index (< 0.15) except for brown bear which showed a comparatively higher medullary index (0.38) and a vacuolated medulla. By combining together the parameters mentioned above it was possible to characterize bear species on the basis of their hair characteristics.

Age, Gender and Caste Variations in Scalp Hair Micro-Morphological Variables among Brahmins and Banias of Punjab, India

A cross-sectional sample of 3136 scalp hair drawn from 392 individuals aged 10 to 60 years and belonging to the Bania (n = 201) and Brahmin (n = 191) caste groups of Punjab State of India were examined for diameters of hair shaft and medulla, scale count, medulla type, hair index, medullary index and scale-count index, employing standard procedures. The mean hair shaft diameter, medullary diameter, incidence of medullation and scale-count index was higher in males, while the mean scale count was higher in females. However, with a few exceptions, the gender differences were not statistically significant (p < 0.05). The Brahmins showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean values of hair shaft diameter and scale count than the Banias. The mean scale-count index was higher among the Banias. The fragmentary medulla was the most common medullary type among the Banias, while the continuous medulla was the most frequent type of medulla among the Brahmins. The frequency of medullation was significantly more among the Banias. On the average, the hair shaft diameter and diameter of medulla increased up to 30 years. Some age variations in medullation were noticed in both the caste groups. No clear age trend was noticeable in the scale count. By and large, the mean hair shaft diameter of the Banias was less than that of other populations. The mean hair shaft diameter of the Brahmin males was greater than that of the Banias, the Onges, and the Bengalees. The Brahmin females showed greater mean hair shaft diameter than that of the Banias, the Australian Aborigines, the Juangs and the Onges. Human scalp hair shows some age, gender and population variations in micro-morphological variables which have the potential of being useful for anthropological and forensic investigations.

陰毛の個人内における形態学的変動

This paper presents a study of the intra-individual variation of pubic hairs. Seventy pubic hairs were pulled from seven sites around the outer genital area of each of five Japanese males; sixty were obtained from six sites on each of four Japanese females, and fifty from six sites on one additional Japanese female. These hairs were examined with respect to twenty-two morphological characteristics. These morphological data were studied in relation to each site and analyzed by the statistical method of cluster analysis. It appeared that a pubic hair's length, luster, diameter, medullary index, disease and scale damage bore some relation to the site from which it was obtained. Dendrograms produced through the cluster analysis showed a hierarchy of similarities among all pairs of pubic hairs. Similar hairs were placed together into several large or small groups within the same person. Some groups contained pubic hairs from many sites, whereas others were almost exclusively from only one site. This means that some sites have different characteristics from other sites. Pubic hairs obtained from the penis area, scrotum and labium majus area showed greater dissimilarity than other sites within the same person. Therefore, in forensic hair comparison, known pubic hair samples should be obtained from many different sites. For males, at least thirty-five pubic hairs should be collected from seven sites (center, left and right abdomen; upper, left and right area surrounding the penis; and scrotum). For females, at least thirty pubic hairs should be collected from six sites (center, left and right abdomen; mons pubis; left and right labium majus).

Hair structure of brown bears (Ursus arctos L.) from North America and Scandinavia

Analysis of measurements of guard hairs from North American brown or grizzly bears and Scandinavian brown bears (Ursus arctos L.) showed variation over the body and along the hair shaft. Using the medullary index, i.e., the medullary diameter as a percentage of the hair diameter, comparisons were made among body areas, age groups, geographical areas, sexes, and seasons. Statistically significant differences were found among body areas. Hairs from the foreleg were shorter and wider, with a smaller medullary index than those from other body areas. There was a weak but statistically significant negative correlation between the medullary index and age of individuals. Medullary indices from Scandinavian bears were significantly greater than those from Alaskan bears, which in turn were greater than those from bears of the contiguous United States. There were no statistically significant differences between the medullary index and sex or season.

Increase in Medullary Index of Human Hair with the Passage of Time

countless small pigment granules similar to the core found in the medulla. These are melanin granules, varying in size and distribution, and they give color to the hair which is otherwise grey or white. These granules are insoluble in organic solvents but are soluble in strong alkalis such as KOH and NaOH. Another characteristic of these granules is the facility with which they are bleached by strong oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, acid chlorate, potassium permanganate, ferric chloride, etc. For forensic purposes these melanins carry important value, as on the basis of their color and distribu ion, much of the information about identiication, origin, comparison, and individualization of hair dep nds. The pigments, which are solid bodies, may disappear from hairs due to diseases or old age, leaving in turn small cavities. These cavities, countless in number, squeeze and ultimately fuse to disappear with the passage of time, causing decrease in the girth of the hair as compared to the girth of the same hair when the pigments were present. (Compare figures 1 and 2, hairs from the same person.) This will result in increase of the medullary index, which is the ratio between the width of the medulla and width of the hair at a particular point: