Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of Scalp Hairs of Persons with and without Albinism

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Date

2020-10

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University Of Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Scalp hairs are more likely to be shed and lend themselves for examination as identification tool. Identification of hair is very complex and important procedure in forensic investigation. Despite advances in biometric and molecular identification of individuals, hair examination continues to play a key role in screening suspects and zeroing on the species of mammals or race of humans (in cases of badly dismembered or co-mingled body parts in mass disasters). This study assessed topo-morphological features of scalp hair using the higher magnification of scanning electron microscope (SEM) which offered more detailed characteristics than previous light microscopy hair research in Ghana. The study sought to determine whether oculocutaneous albinism is associated with alteration(s) in the SEM features of hairs. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the morphological profile of hairs of Ghanaians with Albinism and compare with age-matched persons without albinism for anthropological and forensic use. Methodology: Three hundred scalp hair samples were obtained consenting 30 Persons with albinism (PWA) and 30 persons without albinism (PWO). Fifteen study participants were male and fifteen were female among PWA and PWO. Hairs were obtained by standard pull-method from five conventional regions of the scalp namely; frontal, vertex, occipital, right and left temporal. Standard procedures were followed to examine hair samples in a scanning electron microscope (PHENOMWORLD24VDC/ 12.5Amp. Max, Netherlands. The microscope generated Electron Dispersive X-Ray Spectrum (EDS) data on hair samples which were also analysed. Quantitative characteristics such as shaft diameter, scale count and interval between scales were statistically compared. Images captured in the SEM of hairs shafts and roots were assessed for qualitative features including scale patterns, configuration of margins, proximity of scales and the type of root. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean weight percentages of Boron (p<0.0001) in hairs from PWA and PWO. In the five regions of the scalp studied Carbon, Oxygen and Nitrogen had the highest weight percentages in hairs in order of decreasing precedence for both PWA and PWO. Hair shaft diameter was highest in the right temporal and left temporal regions of the scalp of male PWA and Male PWO respectively. In female PWA and PWO who had natural styled hair, the hair shaft diameter was highest in the frontal and right temporal regions of the scalp respectively. In both females PWA and PWO with permed hair, the highest shaft diameters were found in the vertex of the scalp. The most predominant scale pattern in the proximal shaft and distal shaft of the hair for both groups were regular pattern and irregular pattern respectively. Smooth margins were in higher proportions in the proximal shaft of the scalp hairs while rippled margins were in higher proportions in the distal shaft of scalp hairs for both groups. Conclusion: Albinism is not concurrent with altered morphological structure of hairs but boron was higher in hairs from PWA than PWO. Protective creams used by PWA to prevent cutaneous damage by solar UV radiation are known to contain boron and may account for this difference.

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MPhil. Human Anatomy

Keywords

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Albinism

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