Use of Arm Span as Proxy Indicator of Stature- An Anthropometric Study in Western U.P.

Background: Arm span is the most reliable anthropometric parameter to predict the body height of an individual. It is useful in predicting the age related loss in stature and in identifying individuals with disproportionate growth abnormalities and skeletal dysplasia. Previous studies show that stature can be measured effectively from various body parameters and length of long bones also. However, the relation between arm span and height was found to vary from race to race. The present study was undertaken to measure the stature as well as arm span and to determine whether there is any correlation between the stature and the arm span. Methods: This study was carried out with a total number of 400 subjects of Teerthanker Mahaveer University, 200 male and female each, age range (18-25). Stature was measured with the Stadiometer and arm span was measured using steel tape. The relationships between body height and arm span were determined using correlation coefficients. Then a linear regression analysis was evaluated to examine the extent to which arm span can reliably predict body height. Results: The results have shown the mean of arm span for the male subjects was 175.03± 7.00cm and the height 168.13±5.89 cm, while female arm span 159.01±6.32 cm and height 156.00±5.61cm. The arm span was consistently more than height. The arm span exceeded stature in 87.5% of the participants.Conclusion: There is a good correlation between body height and arm span.

Morphometric Study of Estimation of Stature from Index Finger Length in Indian Population.

Background: Estimation of stature is basic and major section of Anthropological research which is necessary for unmistakable conformation and is used by medico- legal experts, forensic examiners and Anatomists. Methods: In the present, morphometric, cross sectional study of the measurement of stature from index finger length among the population of India is done. This study consist of 400 subject among them 200 are males and 200 females between the age group of 17-25 year. The subjects are students of Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research centre. The data was statistically analysed by calculating mean and standard deviation as well as standard error. Regression formula was also derived by calculating the stature and the index and ring finger length. Result: The high value of the regression coefficient shows that the index finger length may clearly predict the body height in both sexes. It is a good predictor for estimation of the height of the males and females subjects. Regression equations are- For male:- Y= 124.26+6.41(RIFL), For female:- Y= 110.16+5.82(RIFL). Conclusion: The finding of the present study shows that the index finger length can be used successfully to predict the height of the human being. Medico-legally it is a considerable parameter which determines the height of subject which is a major step in recognition of a deceased subject.

A Study of Auricle Morphology for Identification in Indians.

Background: External ear is a significant feature for human face identification. Its size, shape and spatial location on human face are vital from aesthetic point of view. The knowledge of morphometry of normal human auricle and its symmetry is also required for the surgical resection. Aim: The aim of the current study was to estimate the morphometry of external ear and its anatomical landmarks with respect of identification. Methods: In the current, morphometric, cross sectional study was done on 400 Indian students (males = 200 and females = 200) of Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre.The parameters was analysed by using camera and adobe Photoshop software (version 7.0). The data was statistically analyzed by using student’s t test. p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In our cohort, all parameters were higher in males except left lobular width, which was higher in females. The mean observation of the right and left ear length of males were 4.61± 0.41 cm, 4.54± 0.44 cm respectively, while in females were 3.68± 0.42 cm, 3.67±0.54 cm respectively. The mean value of the right and left ear width of males were 3.17±0.37 cm, 3.03±0.47 cm respectively, and while in females 2.57 ± 0.32 cm, 2.55±0.41 cm respectively. The mean value of the left right and left lobular length of males were 1.56±0.12 cm, 1.50± 0.19 cm and in females were 1.09± 0.13 cm, 1.08±0.13 cm respectively. The mean values of the right and left lobular width of males were 1.58± 0.26 cm, 1.51± 0.37 cm and in females were 1.53± 0.35 cm, 1.53±0.35 cm respectively. Free lobule = 88.5% and the attach lobule = 11.5% respectively. Conclusion: This study makes possible the identification of an individual such as race, sex and age whose identity is unknown. Medico legally it is considerable parameter for forensic investigation to optimize the crime.

The Morphometric Study of Sexual Dimorphism in Index & Ring Finger Length Ratio in Indian Population.

Background: Anthropometry is a science which deals with method and techniques of measurement of living as well as skeletons of individuals. The morphometry of different parts of human body helps in personal identification and also sexual dimorphism. Methods: Total number of students (200=Male & 200=Female) of age 17-25 years of Teerthanker Mahaveer University were examined for one year. With the help of vernier caliper, the lengths of index and ring fingers were measured and then ratio was calculated in both the genders. The data was tabulated & mean & standard deviation was calculated. The paired t- test was used and P- value was calculated. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean values of male population were found to be right 2D 7.04cm, right 4D 7.20cm, right 2D:4D ratio 0.97cm respectively, while in females the mean value were found to be right 2D 6.52cm, right 4D 6.72cm, right 2D:4D Ratio 0.96 cm respectively. Using t-test, in males and females the 2D:4D ratio was statistically insignificant for the right hand with p>0.05. Conclusion: The anthropometric ratios help in establishing the gender and race of the individual, thus plays an important role in forensic science.

A Study of Sexual Dimorphism in Finger Print Pattern in Indian Population.

Background: In Dermatoglyphics the finger palms and soles elevation pattern are studied. The term dermatoglyphics, the uniqueness of a person’s fingerprints have been thought by some to be fixing to a person’s personality and constructing genetic quality of each individual. Methods: In the present study, 400 students are taken from out of which 200 males and 200 females. Prints are taken and the ridge counts are studied with the help of a magnifying lens. They are identified as: Arches, Loops and Whorls in both genders. The Performa is prepared on a durable A4 sheet divided into five marked areas. The right hand thumb (1) index finger (2) middle finger (3) ring finger (4) little finger (5), followed by the left hand; thumb (6) index finger (7) middle finger (8) ring finger (9), little finger (10). Result: The most common fingerprint patterns in Indian population is loops (both ulnar and radial) (60.65%) followed by whorls (34.7%) and arch (53.5%). The most common fingerprint patterns in Indian males is ulnar loops (55.1%) similarly (64.6%) females had ulnar loops. The percentage of whorls in males and females were 38% and 31.4% respectively. The rarest finger pattern was arch (6%) in males and (4.7%) in females. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics can play an important role in person identity and gender estimation. Thus this study we prove helpful in forensic science and also in slowing medico legal cases.

Morphometric Study and Sexual Dimorphism of Percutaneous Tibial Length in Indian Race.

Background: “Anthropometry” includes the different techniques which express the human body and its parts in quantitative manner. Hence, this technique is considered as one of the useful and most applicable, non-invasive and also inexpensive technique worldwide. For the establishment of size of the body and also in sexual dimorphism this technique has been used by the anthropologist for many years. Aim: this study is undertaken to show sexual dimorphism in percutaneous tibial length in Indian race. Methods: The study was carried out on 200 subjects (100 male and 100 female) among the population of India. Percutaneous tibial length was measured with the help of spreading caliper. The data was collected and analyzed statistically. Results: Our study shows no significant difference between the Right and left PCTL in male and female among Indian races. Mean right PCT: Male – 37.82±1.99, Female – 34.84±1.91, Mean left PCT: Male – 37.79±1.98, Female – 34.79±1.89. The percutaneous tibial length was significantly high in males as compared to females. Conclusion: The present study reveals that there is no statistical significance difference occurs between the right and left percutaneous tibial length among male and female. It also shows that the percutaneous tibial length of male is significantly higher than female in the Indian race.

Cheiloscopy: An Aid to Personal Identification in India.

Background: As said “Identification is an individual’s birth right”. Identification of the individual is based on certain characteristics, which is unique to that individual. Cheiloscopy is the examination of lip prints, the lip prints are permanent and fixed, like fingerprint and palatal rugae, hence it can be used in personal identification. Aim: This study is undertaken to evaluate the uniqueness of lip print for personal identification Methods: The study was carried out on 400 subjects (200 male and 200 female) among the population of India. Lipstick was applied on the lips and print was taken on bond paper, the prints were divided into four quadrants and were analyzed by using magnifying lens and Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification were used to identify the most common type of pattern among Indians for personal identification. Results: Our study shows that the most common type of pattern in Indian race was TYPE III (39%) and in all the quadrants (I, II, III, IV) most dominant pattern was type III in males and type II in females. Conclusion: The present study reveals that, there was no similarity in the lip print pattern of one individual with that of the other individual. The lip print pattern varies between the same age group people as well as among the population of same region.

Zika: From Lush Forest to Pandemic.

Before the Zika fever had hit the headlines, Zika was known amongst the scientific community and birdwatchers as an overgrown tropical forest of Uganda, a protected area of about 25 hectares for research under the Uganda Virus Research Institute. The Zika virus (ZIKV), causative organism of the Zika fever, is a member of the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Genome of the Zika virus is a single stranded, non-segmented, positive sense 10794 bases long RNA1 that encodes a 3419 amino acid long polyprotein. The polyprotein is subsequently cleaved into smaller proteins: the capsid (C), the precursor membrane (prM), the envelope (E), and the non-structural proteins (NS). The C proteins form the 25-30 nm diameter icosahedral capsid which is surrounded by a host-membrane derived lipid bilayer containing the envelop proteins E and M. The virion has a diameter of 40 nm and has surface projections of 5-10 nm.

Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics: Concepts and Applications in Nutrition Research and Practice.

Nutrigenomics refers to the application of genomic principles in nutritional research, enables us to formulate associations between specific nutrients and genetic factors, e.g. the way in which food or food ingredients influence gene expression. It aims to identify the genes that influence the risk of diet-related diseases and also helpful to solve the mechanisms that underlie these genetic predispositions. In contrast, nutrigenetics reveals the coordination of genetic makeup of individuals with their responses to various dietary nutrients. It clarifies different responses to same nutrient by different individuals. Interaction of genetic background and diet with regard to development of chronic conditions as obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and cancer are discussed in present review. These two branches of nutrition resemble with two sides of a coin, facing towards opposite sides but simultaneously, they are intimately attached with each other. Collective efforts by the scientific community are needed to strictly follow guidelines put forth regarding experimental designs, analysis, and data storage for nutritional research. This strategy will be helpful to generate a sound database useful for clinicians and dietetic practitioners.

Osteoscopic Assessment of Sexual Dimorphism in Hip Bone.

Introduction: Th e pelvis is most sexually dimorphic and is the fi rst bone assessed in sex determination because it is the skeletal element most aff ected by reproduction and parturition.1 Th e assessment of the pelvis is made through metric measurements as well as through the visual analysis of non-metric traits; both important aspects of the analysis. Th e best methods for determining sex from adult skeletal remains involve measurement and inspection of the hip bone that presents a number of gender-related anatomical diff erences.2 Most osteologists visually (stereoscopic) evaluate these diff erences and integrate this subjective assessment ofhip bonemorphology into their sex determinations. Th e aim of thepresent study is to visually evaluate sexual diff erences in hip bone and comparing its effi cacy with metric assessment. Methods: Th is study is done on 46 hip bones of adult individuals of known sex from museum of department of anatomy of SGRRIM&HS Dehradun and TMMC&RC Moradabad, India. All these hip bones were visually examined and under mentioned fi ve characters of the hip bone were used, (A) aspects of the preauricular surface, (B) aspects of the greater sciatic notch, (C) the form of the composite arch, (D) the morphology of the inferior pelvis, and (E) ischiopubic proportions. Results: In this study traits of the group (A) were most sexually dimorphic while traits of the group (E) were least sexually dimorphic. Conclusion: Diagnostic accuracy is excellent when the complete hip bone is available. Hip bone features used for sex determination by visual assessment seem to be fairly stable.

Placenta: The wonder organ.

Placenta is the only organ to develop in adulthood and is the only one with a defined end date. The structure of placenta has a strong relation with pregnancy length, physical milieu of mother and a resemblance to the concept of ‘Imhotep(regarded as the first medico legal expert) showing relation between Forensic medicine histology, morphology and pathology. Anemia in pregnancy is found to be associated with variable histomorphological changes in placenta, which show a clear reflection for the poor fetal outcome. There is a threshold for the level of haemoglobin and consequently for oxygen transport below which placental function is impaired. This explains the increased frequency of premature births, foetal death and perinatal mortality and morbidity in anemia during pregnancy. The histomorphological findings of placenta in anemic mothers which are an adaptation to maternal hypoxia can correlate with the poor fetal outcome giving a documentary evidence and explanation against false implications of neonatal deaths. This makes placenta as the much required tool of present medico legal scenario.

Cryonics: A step towards immortality anatomical, medicolegal and ethical implications.

The inestimable value of human life is a cardinal feature of Jewish Law, which includes an obligation for maintenance of our own health and self preservation. Rabbinical Assembly’s, Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, states that “the preservation of human life is obligatory, not optional”. Cryonics is an attempt to protect the gift of human life, through low temperature preservation, if necessary for hundreds of years, until they can be revived and cured of whatever illness or injury caused their legal death. The objectives of this article are: (a) To strengthen the concept of cryonics, through experiments performed, and cytoarchitectural results obtained thereof, by many research workers in both animals and human beings. (b) To logically discuss the legal and ethical issues associated with cryonics. In the end an attempt has been made to introduce the concept of nanotechnology and nanomedicine which will make revival a reality someday.