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We have used the scanning electron microscope to investigate the changes that occur in scalp hair during infection with Trichophyton violaceum. We provide information on the morphology of these dermatophytes and present evidence that their hyphae dig tunnel-like burrows into the hair shaft, dissociating hair into keratin fibrils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair identification is a complex and important problem in view of forensic investigation. It entails many tests and uncertainties still exist in drawing final conclusions to determine whether a single hair is identifiable from a certain individual. The Scanning Electron Microscope alone may not be able to cause final conclusions to be drawn, however, with further tests and comparative studies, this type of study certainly will eventually lead to a more positive identification of hairs, since it definitely shows improvement over the optical means of identification regarding structural, surface morphology, coupled with other scientific data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed experimental procedures are described for the preparation and examination of keratin-fibre sections by transmission scanning electron microscopy. By using these techniques, relatively large (160-nm-thick) sections of fibre bundles can be scrutinized as a routine in magnification ranges from 20 × to 50,000 X with a maximum practical resolution of about 15 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new term ‘pseudo-monilethrix’ is suggested for an unusual form of ‘beaded’ hair, found in many members of a large Caucasoid family. The abnormality bears a resemblance to classical monilethrix but is not the same condition. Other associated anomalies are formes frustes of pili torti and trichorrhexis nodosa. These disorders are traced through four generations and appear to have been inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The clinical features and prognosis are discussed and the results of the examination of hairs under the light and scanning electron-microscopes are recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fractured ends of exclamation mark hairs were found to be quite distinct from those of normal hairs broken by traction when examined with the scanning electron microscope. The cuticular scales of exclamation mark hairs, telogen hairs from around lesions, hairs from unaffected parts of the scalp, and hairs from normal subjects were found to possess smooth edges when first produced. More distally, however, the edges of the scales became jagged, although their configuration remained unaltered, in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following positive identification by the usual cytogenetic means of a newborn girl with a triploid chromosome complement (69.XXX), a sample of hair was analyzed with the scanning electron microscope. The results of the observation on triploid human hair were compared to data gathered from the hair of normal newborn boys and girls. Significant differences were found between triploid and diploid hairs in mean width, mean width between the free edges of the cuticular scales, and average number of cuticular scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]