Dermatoglyphic Features Research Articles

Dermatoglyphic profile of physical strength in Brazilian Paralympic power lifters

The objective of this study was to identify dermatoglyphic characteristics and the quality of the physical strength in high-performance para-athletes in the supine power lifting category. This study included ten male athletes aged between 18 and 40 years who had qualified for the Brazilian Regional Championships. The athletes were randomly distributed into the following three groups: group 1 (n = 4) comprising athletes with the best results for relative strength, group 2 (n = 4) comprising athletes with intermediate results for relative strength, and group 3 (n = 2) comprising athletes with the lowest results for relative strength. To determine the strength potential of the athletes, the one repetition maximum test was chosen, and to identify their genetic profile their fingerprints were analyzed by the method of Cummins and Midlo using paper and ink. The data showed no homogeneity between the groups. Group 1 showed a higher genetic predisposition and better results for the quality of their physical strength. These results indicate that dermatoglyphics may be an important tool to identify and guide athletes according to their genetic potential.

Study of the Fingertip Pattern as a Tool for the Identification of the Dermatoglyphic Trait in Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial Asthma is one of the most extensively studied respiratory diseases and its genetic basis is well established. Dermatoglyphic traits are formed under genetic control early in development but may be affected by environmental factors during first trimester of pregnancy. These patterns may represent the genetic makeup of an individual and therefore his/her predisposition to certain diseases. Patterns of dermatoglyphics have been studied in various congenital disorders like Down's syndrome, Klinefelter's syndrome and also in chronic diseases like Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus etc. Epidermal ridge patterns of finger tips in bronchial asthma patients were studied to find out fingertip pattern as Dermatoglyphic features in patients of Bronchial Asthma; it's comparison and association if exists between normal and bronchial asthma patients and also to find use of fingertip pattern in early childhood as non-invasive anatomical marker for bronchial asthma in adulthood. The study was conducted on clinically diagnosed all bronchial asthma patients attending OPD of Dr Ulhas Patil Medical College, Jalgaon. Matched controls were selected without any respiratory problem or any symptoms related to asthma from medical students, staff members and paramedical staff of hospital after taking the informed consent and permission from the institutional ethical committee. Data collection and fingertip prints were taken by ink and rolling finger method. Prints taken were analysed and tabulated; data was analysed by using statistical tests. Study shows that decrease in number of arches, increase in AFRC in patients as compared with controls. Also there were increased ulnar loops in male patients and increased Whorls and radial loops in female patients. The fingerprints can represent a non-invasive anatomical marker of bronchial asthma risk and facilitate early detection and effective management which is vital for selecting appropriate agents for treating infections.

Comparison of the dermatoglyphic characteristics of women with and without breast cancer

ObjectiveTo compare the dermatoglyphic characteristics of women with and without breast cancer. Study designCase–control study. One hundred and thirty women=130 women with histopathologically confirmed breast cancer (case group) were compared with 127 women in the same age group but without breast cancer (control group). Fingerprints of the two groups were compared in terms of whorl, loop and arch patterns. ResultsThe loop pattern was most common in both groups [68 women (52.3%) in the case group and 58 women (45.7%) in the control group], followed by the whorl pattern [60 women (46.2%) in the case group and 64 women (50.4%) in the control group]; the difference was not significant (p=0.337). The number of whorl patterns and the breakdown by classification group did not differ significantly between the two groups. In addition, no significant difference was found in the dermatologlyphic patterns of the women with breast cancer with and without a family history of breast cancer. ConclusionNo difference was found in the dermatoglyphic characteristics of women with and without breast cancer. As such, this does not appear to be an effective screening method for women at risk for breast cancer.

The significance of dermatoglyphic characteristics in the determination of equine phenotypic susceptibility to abnormal repetitive behaviour in the thoroughbred (Equus caballus)

Background: Relationships have been established between trichoglyphs (whorls) and temperament, laterality and the occurrence of abnormal behaviour in multiple species. Within the equine industry stereotypic behaviour is considered to impair performance and reduce value in affected individuals, potentially reducing career longevity and compromising welfare through preventing their expression when they occur. Aim: The study aimed to determine whether dermatoglyph profiles (whorl morphology, orientation, number and topography) could be used to predict susceptibility to perform abnormal repetitive behaviours (ARB) in thoroughbred racehorses. Method: Trainer interviews combined with experimenter direct observation were used to ascertain expression of ARBs. Whorls were digitally photographed and overall whorl profiles derived using remote computer analysis. Results: Non-parametric statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between aspects of whorl morphology and performance of ARBs (round epicentre: sum ARBs p<0.05; round gross morphology: sum ARBs p<0.0001), orientation and distribution (abdominal trichoglyph orientation asymmetry: sum ARBs p<0.05; clockwise orientation: sum ARBs p<0.05 and social stereotypies p<0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates that whorls may be viable physical indicators of predisposition to perform ARBs in the thoroughbred. Assessment of dermatoglyph profiles have potential to assist with the improvement of horse welfare via informed management practices if patterns exposed are transferable to other breeds and can reliably predict individuals with a propensity to develop ARBs.

Palmar dermatoglyphics in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia – A preliminary investigation

Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease of as yet an unknown origin. Researchers in the past have studied the association between dermatoglyphic features in the hand and congenital diseases and diseases with genetic influences. Objective The present research is intended to study the association between acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and palmar dermatoglyphic characteristics to assess the value of dermatoglyphics as a screening tool to detect leukemia in high risk groups. Methods Case-control study conducted at the department of Pediatrics, KMC Attavara, a tertiary care teaching hospital of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore (Manipal University), India during 2006. Twenty-four children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia were included in the study. The dermatoglyhic features (ab– ridge count, atd, tda and dat angles) of their palm prints were compared with the age and sex matched controls. Results The present research indicates an association between dermatoglyphic features and ALL. The mean ab–ridge count, and the mean atd – angle were observed to be higher in cases while the mean tda – angle was found to be lower in cases than controls. Conclusions The findings of the present research are suggestive of a possible trend and an association of dermatoglyphic features with children suffering from ALL. Similar studies can be useful in rare forensic case work where the association of dermatoglyphic features with certain diseases is to be explored.

Digital Dermatoglyphic Heritability Differences as Evidenced by a Female Twin Study

The genetic and environmental contributions to determine digital dermatoglyphic traits were investigated by using female dizygotic and monozygotic twin pairs to estimate heritability indexes (h(2)). The evaluated sample was composed by 20 monozygotic twin pairs and 13 dizygotic twin pairs. A significant heritability (h(2) = 0.65 to 0.96) was observed for 12 dermatoglyphic characteristics (delta indexes and ridge counts for right hand, left hand and both hands, and ridge counts for most individual fingers). A negative correlation between the ridge counts and heritability indexes from individual fingers was found for the left hand, which appears to be associated to a higher arch pattern frequency in most left-hand fingers, since this frequency was negatively correlated with ridge counts and positively correlated with heritability indexes. Heritability indexes of right-hand fingers were positively correlated with loop pattern frequency and negatively correlated with whorl pattern frequency. The low heritability of ridge counts from left thumb, ring and little fingers (h(2) = 0.11 to 0.32) indicates a higher chance that the chorion type had an influence in the intra-pair variance of monozygotic twins. Results confirmed the predominant genetic influence on the total ridge count. The heritability indexes varied in up to 8 times between different fingers and its association to ridge counts and pattern frequency was very variable between hands, evidencing that the use of dermatoglyphic traits from individual fingers as indicators of genetic influences to other human traits should consider this variability.

Axial triradius as a preliminary diagnostic tool in patients of mental retardation

Mental Retardation (MR) is a life long human disability characterized by impairment of cognitive and adaptive skills. The degree of impairment is divided into mild (IQ 50-70), moderate (IQ 35-50), severe (IQ 20-35) and & IQ 65 angle variation was observed. Patients who had delayed development, tri radius’t’ was shifted distally and atd angle was increased. Unusual dermatoglyphics in patients with various defects in chromosomes as well as other disorders have been reported in earlier studies. Appropriate evaluation of the various dermatoglyphic features in mentally retarded patients shall lead to acceptance as a diagnostic tool and serving in the study of human developmental biology.

Dermatoglyphic changes during the population admixture between Kam and Han Chinese

Genetic studies and gene localization for human dermatoglyphs are currently ongoing. However, the inheritance modes of various genetic traits are not well understood because of the complexity of dermatoglyph genetics. The study of admixed populations can contribute to the understanding of population genetic traits of dermatoglyphs. Here, we present the dermatoglyphic characteristics of Kam and Liujia Han, and the admixed population consisting of these two parent populations. The characteristics of the admixed population do not always fall in the same ranges as the parent population characters but do seem to be biased to Kam or Liujia parent populations, depending on sex and ethnicity of parents. The total frequencies of different fingerprint types do not differ among these populations, but several of the quantitative traits and the palm true pattern frequencies do significantly differ between admixed and parent populations. The simple arch fingerprint frequency decreases significantly in the admixed population in comparison with parent populations while both simple whorl fingerprint frequency and finger ridge counts increase significantly. True pattern frequency of the span area of interdigital III and IV areas on right hands and the radial-loop frequency of the right index fingers in the admixed populations are consistent with their matrilineal population. These dermatoglyphic changes may result from increased heterozygosity in the admixed population. The genetic modes of these changes may be relatively simple and will be useful for future dermatoglyph genetic studies. ▪

Quantitative Characterization of Finger and Palm Dermatoglyphics in Bulgarians

In the present paper data on finger and palm ridge counts of both hands are reported from representative samples of healthy Bulgarian males and females. Dermatoglyphic prints from both hands of 2431 Bulgarians (1161 males and 1270 females) have been taken in 116 settlements all over the country. The investigated males and females were healthy, not related persons of Bulgarian origin. The results of finger and palm ridge counts include basic statistics and correlations between ridge counts on separate fingers and the correlations between ridge counts in separate interdigital areas. The results, presented together with data on other dermatoglyphic features elaborated and published till now by the same authors for representative samples of Bulgarian males and females, can serve for the set up of a detailed data basis of the dermatoglyphic status of the Bulgarian population. At the same time they could serve as a norm for clinical and medico-biological investigations with theoretical and scientific applied purposes.

Dermatoglyphics-Quantitative Analysis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Various studies have shown dermatoglyphics as a possible marker and a tool to detect Rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, quantitative, dermatoglyphic features comprising of 'total finger ridge count', absolute finger ridge count' and 'a-b ridge count' was done on 11 males and 25 females in both hands and compared with equal number of controls. A trend towards significance was observed in right hand of male patients with respect to 'Total finger ridge count' (Patient 56.09±26.22, Control 35.36±8.9, p = 0.0873, n = 11). On the other hand, female patients showed significance for the right hand for 'Absolute finger ridge count (Patient = 99±43.75, Control 93.5±42.05, p = 0.0358, n = 22) and in the left hand for the male patients (Patient = 94.27±37.58, Control = 94.27±28.56, p=0.0358, n= 11). Significant values were found in the in left hand for female (Patient 39.2±6.85, Control 38.08±5.07, p = 0.0437, n = 11) and right hand of male patients for 'a-b ridge count' (Patient = 73.64± 20.32, Control 38.64±4.10, p = 0.0002, n = 11). The observations of the present study, has suggested, that 'a-d' ridge count could be considered as marker for male as well as female patients as the diagnostic tool in linking the rheumatoid arthritis to dermatoglyphics. Further studies are needed on a large scale to confirm.

Indicators of developmental deviance in individuals at risk for schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is generally conceptualized as a neurodevelopmental disorder. In order to examine psychometrically-identified individuals at risk for schizophrenia in terms of indicators of developmental deviance, we examined digit ratios, nailfold plexus visibility, and dermatoglyphic features in young adults with elevated scores on the Social Anhedonia Scale. These individuals were compared to an age-matched control group. The two groups did not differ in terms of their digit ratios, though across both groups, the males had significantly lower 2D:4D ratios than the females. The socially anhedonic group had a significantly higher prevalence of nailfold plexus visibility. Males reporting excessive social anhedonia exhibited significantly lower a–b ridge counts than controls, though the two groups did not differ in terms of finger ridge counts. Study findings indicate that relationships exist between some indicators of nonspecific developmental injury and negative schizotypy, especially in males.

Dermatoglyphics in idiopathic (primary) dilated cardiomyopathy in South Southern Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine any dermatoglyphic pattern associated with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in South Southern Nigeria. Digital and palmar dermatoglyphic analysis of 49 patients with primary Idiopathic (primary) dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) and 49 normal subjects from Kalabari ethnic group of Rivers State were carried out. The numbers of male and female subjects in each group were 27 and 22 respectively. It involved the digital patterns, ATD angle, DAT angle and ridge count. The results showed that on the right digits of males there was no significant difference (zero) in the digital patterns between the IDC and normal subject (p > 0.05) while on the left hand, IDC patients showed significantly higher whorl pattern (81.48%) on the first digit than the normal subjects (39.63%) (p < 0.05). Radial loop was observed on the second left digit of male IDC patients while no such pattern was observed on any of the digits of the normal male subjects. In females, arch pattern was observed on the second and third right digits of the IDC patients but absent in normal subjects. Also whorl pattern was observed on the 5th right and left digits of IDC patients with percentages of 18.18 and 36.36% respectively. This was however absent in normal female subjects. On the right palm of male IDC patients the mean ATD angle (39.22o) was significantly smaller than the mean ATD angle (41.29o) of the normal male subjects (p < 0.05).Similarly, significant differences were observed on left palm. Amongst female subjects also there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Significant difference was observed in the mean total ridge count of the male IDC and normal subjects (369.3 and 429.1 respectively) (p < 0.05). There was however no difference between the female IDC and normal subjects. The study has shown that IDC presents characteristic dermatoglyphic features which could be used for early diagnosis of the disease. Key words: Dermatoglyphics, Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

A comprehensive analysis of microsatellite diversity in Aboriginal Australians

Indigenous Australians have a unique evolutionary history that has resulted in a complex system of inter and intra-tribal relationships. While a number of studies have examined the population genetics of indigenous Australians, most have used a single sample to illuminate details of the global dispersal of modern humans and few studies have focussed on the population genetic features of the widely dispersed communities of the indigenous population. In this study we examine the largest Aboriginal Australian sample yet analysed (N = 8,868) at fifteen hypervariable autosomal microsatellite loci. A comprehensive analysis of differentiation indicates different levels of heterogeneity among indigenous peoples from traditional regions of Aboriginal Australia. The most genetically differentiated populations inhabit the North of the country, in particular the Tiwi of Melville and Bathurst islands, Arnhem Land (itself divided into West and East Arnhem), and Fitzmaurice regions. These tribal groups are most differentiated from other Aboriginal Australian tribes, especially those of the Central Desert regions, and also show marked heterogeneity from one another. These genetic findings are supportive of observations of body measurements, skin colour, and dermatoglyphic features which also vary substantially between tribes of the North (e.g. Arnhem Land) and Central Australian regions and, more specifically, between the Tiwi and West and East Arnhem tribes. This study provides the most comprehensive survey of the population genetics of Aboriginal Australia.

Familial Correlations for Finger and Palmar Quantitative Dermatoglyphic Features Among the Khurkhul of Manipur

The present study examines the heretability of finger and palmar quantitative dermatoglyphic traits by calculating Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlationship 'r' and regression equation between the actual parents and children and unrelated pairings. The sample is made up of 50 couples and their 135 children (66 sons and 69 daughters) belonging to the Khurkhul community of Manipur. The traits included in the study are: total finger ridge count, absolute finger ridge count, pattern intensity index, palmar main line index, atd-angle and palmar a-b, b-c, c-d ridge counts. Highly significant correlation values higher than the theoretical value of 0.5 of parent-child were observed in the studied quantitative feature, except palmar b-c and c-d ridge counts. The estimated values of correlation coefficient 'r' found in parent (x)-child (y) correlationship for total finger ridge count (TFRC), absolute finger ridge count (AFRC) and finger pattern intensity index (PII) agree with the theoretical value of coefficient of correlation between mid-parent and the child i.e. 1/ √2 or 0.71. In all the studied quantitative dermatoglyphic features, randomly paired unrelated ones show very low correlation values when compared with those of the related parents and children's correlation values, except father-child correlation value of palmar b-c ridge count. Higher correlation coefficient values of 'r' were observed in finger than in palmar. This indicates that environmental factors exert greater effect on the palmar region in early prenatal life than do on the finger.

Finger and Palmar Dermatoglyphics n Beta-Thalassemia Patients

The dermatoglyphic patterns of 149 beta-thalassemia patients (107 males, 42 females) from northwestern India were compared with 198 normal healthy controls (96 males, 102 females). A preponderance of loops over other digital patterns was noticed among the thalassemics represented in the present study, although more whorls had been described in earlier studies of Western and Bengali counterparts. The mean total finger ridge count was significantly higher in thalassemia patients than in controls. In contrast to patients of Western origin, the thalassemia patients in our study possessed significantly higher mean 'ab' and 'cd' interdigital ridge counts than the normal subjects. 'atd' angles were significantly greater in our patients than in controls. The distal placement of the axial triradius, noticed in 2.4% of female and 1% of male thalassemia patients, appears to be a noteworthy finding of our study. The predominant occurrence of open fields and the presence of loops, whorls and arches in the interdigital and hypothenar areas were also found in some patients. Substantial differences in selected dermatoglyphic traits of thalassemia patients have been noted in studies from different parts of the world. These differences appear to be racial/ethnic in origin. Distinctive dermatoglyphic features can be used to reinforce clinical judgment in the diagnosis of beta-thalassemia patients hailing from northwestern parts of India.

Dermatoglyphics in turner syndrome

Finger and Palmar dermatoglyphics in 25 karyotypically proven cases of Turner syndrome representing Northwestern region of India are presented and compared with those obtained on their 102 normal female counterparts. Predominance of ulnar loops over other patterns was recorded in turner patients. Mean total finger ridge count in Turner syndrome (147.4) remained higher than the normal females (121.1). c-d interdigital ridge count in turners remained significantly (p≤0.05) higher than their normal female counter-parts. In contrast to their western counterparts distal placement of axial triradius in both the palms of none of the Turner syndrome patients representing the current series was recorded. Occurrence of whorls and arches in hypothenar region of 12% and 4% was respectively noticed in right palm of patients. The use of distinctive dermatoglyphic features recorded amongst Turner syndrome patients representing this study may be made to corroborate diagnosis of this entity in settings where facilities to carry out karyotyping do not exist.

Dermatoglyphic Characteristics of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dermatoglyphic Characteristics of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

A study on somatotypical and dermatoglyphic characteristics and on physical qualities of Physical Education students

A study on somatotypical and dermatoglyphic characteristics and on physical qualities of Physical Education students

Palmar Main Line Index – A New Methodological Approach

The epidermis of the palmar and plantar surfaces of the human hands and feet are covered with the skin that is different from the skin of the other parts of the body. It is corrugated with the ridges and the configurations. These features of dermatoglyphics are formed during the thirteenth week of the growing embryo and remain unchanged thereafter throughout the life of an individual except the dimensions related to the growth of the body. These features have been found to be permanent, variable and are inherited. For these amazing qualities they play a very crucial and important role in the personal identification, crime detection, twin diagnosis, racial variation and have applied values in various diseases and syndromes. Herschel (1858) made first attempt to use finger prints in the personal identification. Generally speaking there are four triradii

Evidence against a relationship between dermatoglyphic asymmetry and male sexual orientation.

Hall and Kimura (1994) studied the relation between dermatoglyphic asymmetry and male sexual orientation in a sample of 66 homosexual and 182 heterosexual men. They found that more homosexual men possessed a leftward dermatoglyphic asymmetry than did heterosexual men. In this paper, we report a comparative study about the relationship between sexual orientation and dermatoglyphic characteristics, including 60 homosexual men, 76 heterosexual men, and 60 heterosexual women, recruited from the general population, and also from a gay-rights nongovernmental organization, in Salvador, Brazil. Ulnar loops were the most frequent dermatoglyphic pattern in all groups, followed by whorls, arches, and radial loops. A chi-square analysis comparing the frequencies of the patterns in the three groups only showed an excess of ulnar loops in women (p < 0.05) and arches in men (p < 0.01), but did not reveal significant differences between homosexuals and the other groups studied. There was no significant difference between gay and straight men on total ridge count. We found a preponderance of rightward asymmetry in homosexual and heterosexual men, as well as in heterosexual women. Our results do not agree with Hall and Kimura's data indicating that more gay men possessed the minority leftward asymmetry than did straight men. There was no significant difference in leftward asymmetry in the sample studied. The results reported in this paper do not support any relation between dermatoglyphic asymmetry and male sexual orientation, and, thus, any hypothesis concerning a biological intrauterine contribution to adult sexual orientation somehow associated with dermatoglyphic development.