ABSTRACT
The frequency distribution of digital dermatoglyphic patterns was studied in 50 muslim families from Lakshmipur district from Assam. The study revealed asymmetry in the distribution of various patterns on individual digits though bimannual differences were not present. The mean pattern intensify index was found to be 13.54 + 3.76 corresponding to the presence of more number of loops and whorls in the data. Heritability, as calculated from mid parent child regression was found to be 82% indicating the presence of stronger genetic component in the formation of dermatoglyphic patterns. There was significant inter-familial variance suggesting the presence of genetic and environmental factors. The higher values of intra-familial variance also indicate influence of polygenes with additive effects on dermatoglyphic patterns.
ABSTRACT
Photocopiers are a source of employment for a large number of people. The personnel working with photocopiers are commonly exposed to toners and their by-products during reloading and running of the machines. The main components of these toners are carbon black, styrene, resins, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and they are known to be genotoxic. For possible genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to photocopying machines, the present study was undertaken on 29 exposed and 26 control subjects. DNA damage war studied on their peripheral blood leukocytes, using comet assay. DNA repair studies were also undertaken on 10 exposed and 10 control subjects. 50 cells per treatment per individual were scored for comet tail length which is an estimate of DNA damage. The control and the exposed groups show clear difference in the mean tail length of the comets and the standard deviations. The scatter in the individual measurements is also high in the exposed group as compared to the control group.