Gender differentiation by finger ridge count among South Indian population

The goal of this study is to determine the gender based on finger ridge count within a well-defined area. Rolled fingerprints were taken from 550 subjects (275 men and 275 women) belonging to South Indian population all within the age range of 18-65 years. Results show that women have a significantly higher ridge count than men. Application of Baye's theorem suggests that a fingerprint possessing ridge density <13 ridges/25?mm(2) is most likely to be of male origin. Likewise, a fingerprint having ridge count >14 ridges/25?mm(2) are most likely to be of female origin. These results are helpful as a tool for fingerprint experts as they can be used as a presumptive indicator of gender based on the degree of ridge density.     

Sex differences from fingerprint ridge density in the Indian population

Determination of individuality is one of the prime concerns in forensic investigation. The study of fingerprints is widely used in providing a clue regarding identity. The present study was undertaken to study the sex differences in fingerprint ridge density in the Indian population. The study done on 100 males and 100 females revealed that significant sex differences occur in the fingerprint ridge density. The present study shows a statistically significant difference in fingerprint ridge densities of male and female fingerprints in people of Indian origin. A mean fingerprint ridge density of 12 ridges/25 mm² or less is found to be more likely to be of males and a mean ridge count of more the 12 ridges/25 mm² is more likely to be of female origin.     

Identifying sexual dimorphism in a paediatric South Indian population using stepwise discriminant function analysis

Anthropological research relies on skeletal and dental remains for the identification of species. Sexual dimorphism is the systematic difference in form between males and females of the same species. This study is designed to compute a new formula for sex determination using discriminant function analysis in the deciduous crown dimensions of a paediatric population of South Indian origin and to check its accuracy. The sample consisted of 93 females and 90 males of South Indian origin aged between 5 and 13 years. Alginate impressions of the upper dental arch were made and casts were poured immediately. A digital vernier calliper was used to obtain measurements. Teeth considered for measurement were deciduous maxillary canines and molars. Our study is a maiden attempt in considering diagonal measurements along with mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions as predictor variables for sex determination. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science version 17.0 software. By using the Student t-test, the different predictor variables of teeth selected between male and females were found to be significant (p < 0.05). Highly significant sexual dimorphism was found in the mean MD dimension of maxillary right canine and right and left first molar, BL dimension of right first molar, distobuccal–mesiolingual of right and left first molar and right second molar and mesiobuccal–distolingual of right second molar. The percentage of sexual dimorphism in MD dimensions revealed that the right upper first molar was the most dimorphic tooth and the upper first molar of the left side was the least dimorphic of the six teeth studied. The present study found the level of sexual dimorphism in the deciduous crown dimensions of a selected group of South Indian population, which is sufficiently large to determine sex with an accuracy of 87.2–88% by discriminant function analysis. Hence the formula derived from the present study could be of some value in sex determination of paediatric populations of South Indian origin.     

Radiographic assessment of facial soft tissue thickness in South Indian population – An anthropologic study

Facial reconstruction is a technique used in forensic anthropology to identify an unknown person. Various methods used for facial reconstruction are drawings, sculpture and computer aided image building which is mainly based on facial soft tissue thickness measurement. Several methods have been established for measuring facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT) with each one having certain limitations. There is limited data available on FSTT among South Indian population. Hence the present study was ventured to determine the FSTT among South Indian adults and also to find FSTT difference between male and female.308 subjects of South Indian origin (18–27years) having full set of permanent dentition who require orthodontic treatment were included in the study. Subjects were assessed for Body Mass Index (BMI) and diagnostic digital x-ray of lateral cephalogram (LC), Lateral oblique (LO) view and posterior-anterior (PA) view was obtained. The digital image was transferred to Adobe Photoshop CS4 software and 23 different soft tissue points were measured.Mean FSTT was more in males compared to females except for three landmarks. Statistically significant difference was observed in 20 landmarks when height and weight was compared in males, whereas in females only 12 landmarks showed significant difference. BMI showed good correlation with FSTT in both males and females, which was confirmed by linear regression. The best regressor in terms of estimating FSTT in association with age/sex/BMI were nasion, sub nasale, labial superioris, labrale inferius, gnathion, inferior border of zygomatic, right and left gonion. Stepwise discriminant analysis using all variables showed 94.8% of overall accuracy in sex determination.The observation of present study suggests that LO and PA view along with LC gives information regarding mean FSTT among South Indian population. Even though BMI plays a dominant role in determining FSTT, but age, sex, height and weight should also be considered with care while facial reconstruction. Additionally the present regression equation contributes towards increase in the specificity of the tissue depths and can be used in real cases by allowing the practitioners to calculate individual tissue depth.     

A study of sex differences in fingerprint ridge density in a North Indian young adult population

Fingerprints have considerable value in morphological, biological, anthropological and forensic studies. Fingerprints collected from the crime scene and from the items of evidence of crime have been successfully used to identify suspects, victims or any other person who had touched the surface in question. The thickness of epidermal ridges varies between individuals; females are supposed to have finer ridges than males and therefore a greater ridge density. The present research is an attempt to distinguish sex from fingerprint ridge density in the radial, ulnar and lower areas of a fingerprint in a North Indian population. A total of 194 individuals (97 males and 97 females) aged between 18 and 25 years were included in the study and fingerprints were collected from each finger of the participants. Thus, a total of 1940 fingerprints were obtained and epidermal ridges were counted in the radial, ulnar, and lower areas of each fingerprint. The radial and ulnar areas are the 5 mm × 5 mm areas on the radial and ulnar side of the central core respectively while the lower area is designated as 5 mm × 5 mm area adjoining the flexion crease of the terminal phalanx on a fingerprint. The fingerprint ridge density in radial, ulnar and lower areas and between sexes was compared statistically using t-test. The results indicate that the females tend to have a significantly higher ridge density than males in the three areas analyzed in the study. The fingerprint ridge density in the ulnar and radial areas of the fingerprints is significantly higher than the lower area. The present study suggests that the fingerprint ridge density can be a relevant and useful morphological parameter in distinguishing sex of a latent fingerprint of unknown origin from the scene of crime. The findings can also be useful in identification of mutilated remains when a dismembered hand is brought for medico-legal examination.     

Estimation of age from human sternum: an autopsy study on a sample from South India

Age estimation is one of the main parameters in the evaluation of skeletal remains in forensic anthropology casework. The present investigation is an attempt to study the fusion of manubrium and xiphoid process with mesosternum in 118 sterna (67 males and 51 females) of known age obtained during autopsy in South Indian population. The male samples were aged between 25 and 74?years and the females between 20 and 80?years. The fusion is studied to derive standards for the estimation of age from sternum. The results indicate that, with advancing age, the proportion of sternum with fusion of manubrio-mesosternal and mesosterno-xiphisternal junctions increases in males and females. A larger proportion of sterna showed fusion of mesosterno-xiphisternal junction than manubrio-mesosternal junction in different age groups. Fusion of manubrio-mesosternal and mesosterno-xiphisternal junctions was proportionately commoner in males than females. None of the sterna aged below 30?years showed fusion of mesosterno-xiphisternal junction. Nonfusion of mesosterno-xiphisternal junction was reported till the age of 48?years in males and 46?years in females. Manubrio-mesosternal junction was observed to be very variable with regard to fusion status as the joint remained unfused even in the elderly ages. Based on the variability of the fusion of manubrio-mesosternal and mesosterno-xiphisternal junctions observed in the study, it can be concluded that the sternum alone is not reliable for estimation of age in South Indian population.     

Stature estimation from the length of the sternum in South Indian males: A preliminary study

Estimation of stature is one of the important initial steps during forensic analysis of human skeletal remains. The aim of the present study was to derive a linear regression formula for estimating stature of adult South Indian males from the length of the sternum. The study included 35 male sternums of South Indian origin dissected from cadavers during medico-legal autopsies. The linear regression equation [Stature = 117.784 + (3.429 × Sternal length)] was derived to estimate the stature from the length of the sternum. The correlation coefficient was 0.638. The standard error of the estimate was 5.64 cm. This preliminary study concludes that the length of the sternum can be used as a tool for stature estimation in adult South Indian males.     

Determination of adolescent ages 14–16 years by radiological study of permanent mandibular second molars

This study was conducted to determine the adolescent ages from 14 to 16 years, from dental radiographic study of the closure of apical foramen of permanent second molars. The sample for this study consisted of 116 students (59 males and 57 females) of age range from 13 to 18 years, from South Indian population, from various schools in and around Manipal, Karnataka, India. Here Demirjian method was applied on children of Manipal, where 94.0% of males presented with closed apical foramen at 15 years and 5 months where as 95.0% of female presented with closed apical foramen at 14 years and 9 months.     

Estimation of stature from the length of the sternum in South Indian females

Estimation of stature is one of the principal elements in practical forensic casework involving examination of skeletal remains. The present study was undertaken to estimate stature from the length of the sternum in South Indian females using a linear regression equation. The material for the present study consisted of intact sternums belonging to adult females of South Indian origin aged between 25 and 35 years of age obtained during medico-legal autopsies. The length of the sternum was measured as the combined length of the manubrium and the mesosternum (body of the sternum) from the incisura jugularis (central suprasternal notch) to the mesoxiphoid junction along the mid-sagittal plane using vernier calipers. A linear regression equation [Stature?=?111.599?+?(3.316?×?Length of the sternum)] was derived to estimate stature from the length of the sternum. The correlation coefficient was 0.639. The standard error of the estimate was 4.11?cm. The present study concludes that the length of the sternum is a reliable predictor of stature in adult South Indian females and can be used as a tool for stature estimation when better predictors of stature like the long bones of the limbs are not available when examining skeletal remains.     

Molecular characterization and forensic relevance of the autosomal STRs for the population of North Indian geographical province Himachal Pradesh,India

Keeping in view the diverse demography of India, present study was undertaken to explore the molecular characterization and forensic relevance of 20 autosomal STRs for the highly diverse population of north Indian state Himachal Pradesh. 724 unrelated individuals from the admixed population of Himachal Pradesh were undertaken for present study and 20 autosomal STRs used to explore genomic diversity of studied population. A total of 270 different alleles along with 13.5 alleles per locus were observed. The allele 8 of the locus TPOX was observed as the most frequent allele. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.677 to 0.898, which supported wide range of selection of the unrelated individuals for this study. Combined power of discrimination, power of exclusion, matching probability and paternity index were observed as 1, 0.9999999958, 3.9 × 10⁻²⁶ and 2.3 × 10⁸ respectively, across the studied loci. In the population differentiation test, studied population showed genetic relatedness with Indian population rather than the populations of West, North and North east countries. Present study deciphered the novel autosomal STR data, which could be useful for the forensic application and population genetic studies.     

Sex differences in fingerprint ridge density in a Turkish young adult population: A sample of Baskent University

Fingerprints are considered to be one of the most reliable methods of identification. Identification of an individual plays a vital part of any medico-legal investigations. Dermatoglyphics is a branch of science that studies epidermal ridges and ridge patterns. Epidermal ridges are polygenic characteristics that form intrauterine 10–18 weeks and considered fully developed by the sixth month of fetal growth. Fingerprints are permanent morphological characteristics and criminal detection based on fingerprints is based on the principle that no two people can have identical fingerprints. Sex determination from fingerprints has been examined in different population. In this study we aimed to study fingerprint ridge density in Turkish population sample of Baskent University students. Fingerprints were obtained from 118 women, 88 men a total of 206 students aged between 17 and 28 years old by means of simple inking method. Fingerprints from all right and left hands fingers were collected in three different area of each. The ridges on fingerprints were counted diagonally on squares measuring 5 mm × 5 mm on radial, ulnar and inferior areas. The fingerprint ridge density in radial, ulnar and inferior areas and between sexes was compared statistically Mann Whitney U test and Friedman test. The ridge density was significantly greater in women in every region studied and in all fingers when compared to men. The fingerprint ridge density in the ulnar and radial areas of the fingerprints was significantly greater than the lower area. Fingerprint ridge density can be used by medico-legal examination for sex identification.     

Eurasiaplex-2: Shifting the focus to SNPs with high population specificity increases the power of forensic ancestry marker sets

To compile a new South Asian-informative panel of forensic ancestry SNPs, we changed the strategy for selecting the most powerful markers for this purpose by targeting polymorphisms with near absolute specificity – when the South Asian-informative allele identified is absent from all other populations or present at frequencies below 0.001 (one in a thousand). More than 120 candidate SNPs were identified from 1000 Genomes datasets satisfying an allele frequency screen of ≥ 0.1 (10 % or more) allele frequency in South Asians, and ≤ 0.001 (0.1 % or less) in African, East Asian, and European populations. From the candidate pool of markers, a final panel of 36 SNPs, widely distributed across most autosomes, were selected that had allele frequencies in the five 1000 Genomes South Asian populations ranging from 0.4 to 0.15. Slightly lower average allele frequencies, but consistent patterns of informativeness were observed in gnomAD South Asian datasets used to validate the 1000 Genomes variant annotations. We named the panel of 36 South Asian-specific SNPs Eurasiaplex-2, and the informativeness of the panel was evaluated by compiling worldwide population data from 4097 samples in four genome variation databases that largely complement the global sampling of 1000 Genomes. Consistent patterns of allele frequency distribution, which were specific to South Asia, were observed in all populations in, or closely sited to, the Indian sub-continent. Pakistani populations from the HGDP-CEPH panel had markedly lower allele frequencies, highlighting the need to develop a statistical system to evaluate the ancestry inference value of counting the number of population-specific alleles present in an individual.     

Applicability of the Calce method for age estimation in an Indian population: A clinical CT-based study

Age estimation is one of the prerequisites of human identification. Age-progressive changes in the pelvis offer useful evidence for forensic age estimation across all age groups. The acetabulum presents as a durable and taphonomic degradation resistant age marker, and, can be employed for analysing age-progressive changes described by Calce. The present study aimed at determining the applicability of the Calce method for age estimation in an Indian population based on a computed tomographic examination of the acetabulum. Additionally, different morphological features defined by Calce were evaluated to identify the feature which contributes most towards the process of age estimation. CT images obtained from clinically undertaken examinations of individuals aged 17 years and above were scrutinized according to the features defined within the Calce method. No statistically significant bilateral or sex differences were observed. An overall accuracy of 76.66% was observed on applying the Calce method to an Indian population, with lower accuracy percentages for individuals aged 40 years and above. The associated overall inaccuracy and bias were found to be 9.45 and 8.88 years, respectively. Within the various features, acetabular groove was found to contribute most towards the overall accuracy, and apex growth the least. Considering this weighted proportion, population specific models should be derived to render greater applicability to the method for age estimation.     

Estimation of total length of humerus from its segments

The aim of the present study was to calculate the total length of the humerus from its segments using linear, transverse and sagittal measures. One hundred and fifty dry adult unpaired humeri of both sides and of unknown sex from South India were studied. The humeri were divided into eight segments using salient bony points and muscular markings. The length of each segment was compared with the total length. These were subjected to statistical analysis. A high degree of correlation was found between segment length and total length and hence regression equations were calculated to estimate total length of humerus from each segment. The difference in measurements of the right and left sides was insignificant; hence single equations were calculated for all 150 bones. The length of the humerus and finally the stature of the individual could be calculated fairly accurately with an error of less than 2 cm. The results were compared with similar studies on other Indian populations. Calculation of total length from longer segments is comparable with other Indian populations, but if only shorter segments are available, new equations are needed for each population.     

Sexual dimorphism of the index to ring finger ratio in South Indian adolescents

Sex determination from prepubertal human remains is a challenge for forensic experts and physical anthropologists worldwide as definitive sexual traits are not manifested until after the full development of secondary sexual characters that appear during puberty. The research was undertaken in 350 South Indian adolescents to investigate sexual dimorphism of the index and ring finger ratio. The index finger length (IFL) and the ring finger length (RFL) were measured in millimeters in each hand and the index and ring finger ratio was computed by dividing the index finger length by the ring finger length. Mean RFL was greater than mean IFL in both males and females. Mean RFL was significantly higher in males. The index and ring finger ratio showed a statistically significant difference between males and females (p ≤ 0.001). The index and ring finger ratio was found to be higher in females (0.99) when compared to their male counterparts (0.95). The index and ring finger ratio thus shows sexual dimorphism in the South Indian adolescents that may prove useful to determine the sex of an isolated hand when it is subjected for medicolegal examination. The study suggests that a ratio of 0.97 and less is suggestive of male sex, while a ratio of more than 0.97 is suggestive that the hand is of female origin among South Indian adolescents.     

Radiographic study of the hip joint to determine anthropometric parameters for Indian population

Hip replacement surgeries are on the rise in India. However, for these surgeries, most of the implants used are imported and manufactured entirely to suit the geometrical considerations of the western population. Studies in the past have shown that there are anatomical variations in the hip joint for different ethnic backgrounds and geographical locations. There is paucity of anthropometric hip joint data related to Indian population and anthropometric variations in skeletal geometry between Asian and Western counterparts have not yet been thoroughly reviewed and considered for implant manufacturing. The purpose of this anthropometric study is to determine any anatomical variations in the normal hip joint among the Indian population and to statistically compare the mean values with the existing data on western population. 422 Hip radiographs of 211 individuals (141 males and 70 females) with normal and healthy hip joints were evaluated to obtain the horizontal offset, vertical offset and neck shaft angle. For males, mean neck shaft angle was 127.68° (SD = 3.94), horizontal offset was 34.60mm (SD=6.55) and vertical offset was 39.17 mm (SD = 5.86). For females, mean neck shaft angle was 125.92° (SD = 4.75), horizontal offset was 32.96 mm (SD = 7.04) and vertical offset was 36.38 mm (SD = 6.28). When these parameters were compared to the data available from western world, there were significant anatomical variations and it was evident that there is a need to evaluate existing implants in relation to this data and possibly design the implants suited and relevant to Indian population.     

An analysis of whorl patterns for determination of hand

On crime scenes, whole set of the ten digit fingerprints are rarely found and usually chance prints in the form of single digit fingerprint are encountered. Determination of hand (Right or left) can be of vital importance to reduce the burden on the investigator and may thereby aid in fixation of absolute identity of the donor. In the present investigation, 500 randomly selected and bilateral rolled fingerprints of 250 healthy, consenting adult subjects of a central Indian (Marathi) population with whorl patterns were examined to determine the hand. It was found that by studying various parameters like; slope of apex ridges (towards right, left or absent), rotation of innermost ridges (either clockwise, anti-clockwise or absent), angle formed at both sides of core, position of the perpendicular bisector on the delta line (with respect to core), ridge tracing (outer, inner or meeting), higher ridge count, angle between deltas and core (at deltas), direction of the pattern (tilting/inclination) and distance between the deltas & the core; it is possible to successfully determine the hand of the print. Applying chi-square test, the results were found to be statistically significant at p < 0.01 levels.     

Determination of palatal rugae patterns among two ethnic populations of India by logistic regression analysis

Palatal rugae patterns are relatively unique to an individual and are well protected by the lips, buccal pad of fat and teeth. They are considered to be stable throughout life following completion of growth, although there is considerable debate on the matter, they can be used successfully in post mortem identification provided an antemortem record exists. Thus the aim of this study was to examine palatal rugae shape among two Indian populations and determine the accuracy in defining the Indian population using logistic regression analysis. The study comprises two groups from geographically different regions of India with basic origin from Maharashtra and Karnataka state. The sample includes 100 plaster cast equally distributed between two populations and genders with age ranging between 18 and 40 years. Impression of maxillary arch was obtained using alginate impression material and plaster cast was made. The rugae was delineated on the cast using a sharp graphite pencil under adequate light and magnification and recorded according to classification given by Kapali et?al. and Thomas and Kotze (1983). Chi-Square analysis showed significant difference in wavy, circular and divergent pattern between the two populations. The straight and wavy forms were significant in logistic regression analysis. A predictive value of 71% was obtained in determining the original cases correctly when straight, wavy, curved and circular patterns were assessed. 70% of predictive value was achieved when all rugae patterns were assessed. Mean number of rugae was greater in females compared to males with straight pattern showing statistically significant difference between males and females. Significant difference was recorded among straight, wavy, circular and divergent pattern between two populations. Consequently this study demonstrates moderate accuracy of palatal rugae pattern using logistic regression analysis in identification of Indians.     

Estimation of stature from vertebral column length in South Indians

Stature is one of the essential parameters in the establishment of identity of an individual. To estimate the stature from different segments of the vertebral column, a study was done in the South Indian population. The lengths of different segments of the vertebral column were measured along the anterior surface in 72 males and 45 females. Regression formulae were deduced for each segment in both the groups. The correlation coefficient of the estimate ranged from 0.776 to 0.583 in males and 0.708 to 0.325 in females. The standard error of the estimate ranged from 4.38 to 5.65cm in males and 4.16 to 5.58cm in females. This method is useful to estimate the stature in cases of highly decomposed, burnt or mutilated bodies, where the long bones are not available.     

Sexual dimorphism and bilateral difference of fingerprint sweat pore among Slovak population

Third level dermatoglyphic markers show a high level of individuality. Despite this fact, the occurrence of individual sweat pore types is still insufficiently studied due to their problematic extraction. The aim of our study was to evaluate the variability of sweat pore types on distal fingertips in the Slovak population and to establish the most uniform method for delineating the evaluated fingerprint area of 1 cm² in size to avoid bias in the obtained data. In this study, the variability of seven sweat pore types (round, rhomboid, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal) on distal phalanges were investigated in a sample of 60 volunteers (30 females and 30 males) from the Slovak population. The evaluated area was 1 cm². Since none of the previously used definition methods seems to be completely reliable, we developed our own method using individual types of dermatoglyphic patterns. This method allowed an uniform location of the studied fingerprint area. The results suggest that sweat pores, like other dermatoglyphic characteristics, have strong identification potential. Several statistically significant bilateral and intersexual differences were found in both male and female populations. Significant intersexual differences in all categories were found in rhomboid and rectangular sweat pore types. Their use could be applied to partial or otherwise unusable fingerprints. The results of this study could help to incorporate these prints into the identification process, allowing their full use.