ABSTRACT
Second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic biometric marker. Regarding indirect evidence, there have been several studies that link the waist-tohip ratio (WHR) with the 2D:4D ratio. If the 2D:4D ratio is associated with testosterone and estrogen levels, it may be correlated with a risk of myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the present study is to find out the correlation between anthropometric risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the 2D:4D ratio in 250 young females of the state of Haryana in Northern India. The present study was conducted on 250 females of the Haryana population aged between 17 and 35 years old. A series of 8 anthropometric measurements was obtained from the participants: height, weight, 2D:4D ratio, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), neck circumference (NC), and WHR. The data was collected, tabulated and subjected to statistical computation using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Strong positive associations between the NC and the WHR confirm that both measures are indicative of body fat. Also, a positive correlation between the 2D:4D ratio and the WHR suggests that low androgen levels in women are associated with a greater risk of obesity.Moreover, this result, as well as the positive correlation between 2D:4D ratios and NC, suggest that the digit ratio is indicative for being overweight in women and suggest a predisposition toward cardiovascular disease however, these correlations of body measurements with digit ratios are not significant.
ABSTRACT
Background: The orientation of superior articular processes in the thoracic & lumbar vertebrae differs. These processes play an important role in weight transmission & determining the range & direction of movements between any two vertebrae. Methods: The present study has been conducted on the articular processes of 510 vertebrae (thoracic:360; lumbar: 150) with the aim to investigate the possible mehanism for the change from a posterolaterally facing superior articular surface in the thoracic region to posteromedially facing curved articular surface in the lumbar region. Results: In thoracic region, the angle varied between 112o to 120o but suddenly decreased to 85o (R) and 92.1o (L) at T12. In lumbar region, it showed a marked decrease at L1(R:32o; L:34.2o) which further decreased upto L3 and again increased upto L5. Thus, the above observations indicated that between T1-T11 the facet was directed posterolaterally, at T12 it was almost posterior and at L1 it changed its orientation to posteromedially and remained so in whole of the lumbar region. This change in orientation of superior articular processes at the thoracolumbar junction was abrupt at T12-L1 level or gradual over T11-L1 in almost equal number of columns. Conclusion: Clinical implication: The pattern of orientation not only guides & limits the excursion of motion segments but also is relevant in axial weight bearing.
ABSTRACT
Background: The articular processes of thoracolumbar vertebral column play an important role in weight transmission and determining the range and direction of movements between any two vertebrae. Size of these facets has been correlated with the magnitude of stress imposed on them. Purpose of study: The present study has been conducted on the articular processes of 510 vertebrae (thoracic: 360; lumbar:150) with the aim to provide high quality data sets for constructing the models of spine to study mechanics of spinal instrumentation. The length , width and the distance between the right & left superior & inferior articular processes have been measured with the vernier callipers. The presence/ absence of mamillary tubercle has been observed in the present study. Results: The length of thoracic SAFs was almost same at all levels whereas that of the lumbar SAFs increased gradually from L1-L5. However the width showed a variable trend. In case of thoracic IAFs both these parameters showed a variable trend. Whereas in lumbar region, these increased gradually from L1-L5. The distance between two inferior articular processes was more than that between two superior articular processes at almost all levels except T1-T3 & L1-L4 where reverse was true. The mamillary tubercle/process was altogether absent from T-1 to T-8. From T-9 to T-11, the number of vertebral column showing mamillary tubercle increased from 4-19. However at T-12, it was seen in 29 Vertebral columns. In lumbar region, it was well developed in all vertebrae and termed as mamillary process. Conclusion: The measurements obtained by present study reveals the importance of articular facets in understanding basic spinal mechanics and its application with respect to weight transmission.
ABSTRACT
The azygos venous system vary greatly in theirmode of origin, course,tributaries, anastomoses and termination which resulst predominantly due to its complex embryological development. Azygos venous system develops as right and left azygos venous lines. Right azygos venous line develops into vertical part of azygos vein whereas the left one develops into accessory hemiazygos and inferior hemiazygos veins. These are connected by subcentral/ transvertebral veins. In the present case, we found an atypic drainage pattern of posterior intercostal veins into azygos venous system, left being more variable. Right superior intercostal vein formed by 2nd and 3rd posterior intercostal veins whereas left superior intercostal vein was found to be absent. 2nd, 3rd, 4th& 5th left posterior intercostal veins thus drained into accessory hemiazygos vein. Sixth and seventh left PICVs formed a common trunkwith accessory hemiazygous vein and drained into the azygous vein at T6 level. Eighth one united with the hemiazygos vein and formed a common trunkwhich drained into azygos vein at T8 level. Such variations of the azygos venous system are important for a clinician during mediastinal surgeries to prevent inadvertent hemorrhagic complications.