Mapping the Chemistry of Hair Strands by Mass Spectrometry Imaging—A Review

Hair can record chemical information reflecting our living conditions, and, therefore, strands of hair have become a potent analytical target within the biological and forensic sciences. While early efforts focused on analyzing complete hair strands in bulk, high spatial resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has recently come to the forefront of chemical hair-strand analysis. MSI techniques offer a localized analysis, requiring fewer de-contamination procedures per default and making it possible to map the distribution of analytes on and within individual hair strands. Applying the techniques to hair samples has proven particularly useful in investigations quantifying the exposure to, and uptake of, toxins or drugs. Overall, MSI, combined with optimized sample preparation protocols, has improved precision and accuracy for identifying several elemental and molecular species in single strands of hair. Here, we review different sample preparation protocols and use cases with a view to make the methodology more accessible to researchers outside of the field of forensic science. We conclude that—although some challenges remain, including contamination issues and matrix effects—MSI offers unique opportunities for obtaining highly resolved spatial information of several compounds simultaneously across hair surfaces.

An application of Micro X-ray fluorescence computed tomography for determination of three-dimensional elemental distribution in a single hair strand

Three dimensional imaging of trace elements in a single hair strand was achieved by a micro X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (µXRF-CT) using synchrotron radiation. A simple rotational mechanism was attached...

Dyeing Hair is Dire or Desire

Background: Hair coloring, or hair coloring, is the follow of fixing the hair color. The most reasons for this area unit cosmetic: to hide gray or white hair, to alter to a color thought to be additional modern or fascinating, or to revive the initial hair color once, it's been stained by hairdressing process or sun bleaching. Hair coloring is often done professionally by a stylist or severally reception. Celtic folks colored their hair blonde; they bleach it by laundry them in lime and brushing it back from their foreheads. The coloring of hair is associate ancient art that involves treatment of the hair with varied chemical compounds. In history, the dyes were obtained from plants. The event of artificial dyes for hair is derived from the legendary discovery of the reactivity of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) with air. Results: Hair dyes are cosmetic compounds that make contact with the skin throughout application. As a result of this skin contact, there exists some health risk related to use of hair dyes. People allergic to protein as an example, can have to be compelled to take care once buying hair color since bound dye includes protein. Protein doesn't have to be compelled to be eaten for it to cause associate hypersensitivity reaction. Skin contact with protein might cause a reaction; thus, resulting in associate hypersensitivity reaction. Symptoms of those reactions will embody redness, sores, itching, burning sensation, and discomfort. Symptoms can typically not be apparent instantly following the appliance and process of the tint, however may arise once hours or maybe daily later. Conclusion: Pigments of the hair got colored by the tactic of removing, replacing, or covering up. Employment of those chemicals may cause varied adverse effects, at the facet of temporary skin irritation and hypersensitivity, hair breakage, skin discoloration, and explosive hair color results. The ultimate color of every strand of hair can depend upon its original color and body. As a result of hair's color and body across the pinnacle and on the length of a hair strand, there'll be delicate variations in shade across the complete head. This provides an additional natural-looking result than the solid, everywhere color of a permanent color. Thus, hair dyes area unit regulated within the industrial marketplace and, as new toxicity knowledge is generated for a few hair dye, and health risks area unit discovered, in a controlled people, employment of hair coloring may end up in aversions and/or skin irritation.

Uvula Strangulation: A Rare Case of Hair Thread Tourniquet Syndrome

Hair thread tourniquet syndrome is a rare but previously well-documented presentation. It is described as circumferential strangulation of distal or multiple distal appendages, which can lead to tissue ischaemia and eventually necrosis without prompt treatment. Despite the characteristic presentation and potential for serious complications, many healthcare professionals remain unaware of hair tourniquet syndrome and the need for urgent management. We present the case of a 9-month-old infant who presented to the emergency department. The parent noted a long hair emanating from the mouth but on attempts to remove it was unable to do so. The child was otherwise stable. Examination on the oral cavity revealed the hair strand tightly wrapped around an oedematous and congested uvula. Attempts to remove the ligature in the emergency department were unsuccessful and a subsequent referral to otolaryngology was made. A decision was made to take the child to the operating theatre, where the ligature was successfully removed with the distal uvula remaining viable.

Investigation of hair growth promoting ability of herbal gel containing Zingiber officinale

In East Asia, Zingiber officinale has been used traditionally to stimulate hair growth. In the present investigation, extraction of the powdered rhizomes of Zingiber officinale was carried out using alcohol: water (1:1), water, and alcohol. Preliminary pharmacognostic evaluation of various phytoconstituents was done by various chemical tests. Obtained extracts were studied for their antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The further herbal gel of 5% of extracts of Zingiber officinale and 5% minoxidil (standard) were prepared using carbopol 934 as a base. Prepared formulation (F1-F4) were evaluated for various parameters like pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, stability studies, drug content, in vitro release, skin irritation, and in vivo hair growth activity. Amongst the prepared formulations, a gel containing hydroalcoholic extract (F1) showed better spreadability, homogeneity, optimum viscosity, nearly neutral pH, faster release, produced negligible erythema and edema, was stable at different temperature. It was found that gel (F1) showed better results on the length of the hair strand (28mm), which was nearly equivalent to the standard solution of minoxidil (25mm). Conclusively, the hydroalcoholic extract of Zingiber officinale could be used to improve hair growth.

Multiple foreign bodies in the facial region from a penetrating stab injury

Penetrating injuries can lead to multiple retained foreign bodies. To present a case of a penetrating stab injury on to the right orbital region of a 37-year-old woman which resulted in lacerations on both eyelids, loss of vision in addition to the retention of glass particle and woven artificial hair strands at the anterior end of the floor of the orbit. The woven artificial hair strand, being flexible in nature, was apparently logged in by the penetrating force of the broken glass used as the stab injury object. Under local anaesthesia, a gentle intermittent pull on one hair strand led to the dislodgement of a piece of broken glass particle along with the other end of the hair strand. The resultant wound was repaired. Stab injuries can result in retained multiple foreign bodies. This possibility should be considered during assessment and management of facial injuries to avoid complications of retention.