Main Line Index Research Articles

Sexual dimorphism of papillary number (PN) and main line index (MLI) among autistic patients of West Bengal, India

Dermatoglyphic traits area well-known clinical marker for several congenital malformations and neurodevelopment disorders. The dermatoglyphic patterns and neural tissues originate from the ectodermic layer within the first and second trimesters of intrauterine life and are unaltered throughout an individual's life. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant disturbances in social-communicative and behavioral functioning. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first attempt to understand the relationshipbetween Papillary Number (PN) and Main Line Index (MLI) as an assessment of Sexual Dimorphism among the Autisticpatients from Bengalee Hindu caste population of West Bengal, India. To achieve this purpose, bilateral palm prints of 100 (67 males and 33 females) diagnosed Autistic patients and 100 (55 males and 45 females) healthy controls without any family history of Autism have been collected from the Bengalee Hindu caste population of West Bengal. All the prints were collected by the standard Ink and Roller Method (Cummins & Midlo, 1961).The result demonstrated that significant (p<0.05) sexual dimorphism on the PN and MLI was found between the Autistic males and Autistic females combing both hands. Nevertheless, the controls never showed any sexual dimorphism in the context of PN and MLI. Therefore, the present study suggests that the sexual dimorphism of the PN and MLI among Autistic patients might be other beneficial dermatoglyphic traits for Autism detection.

Digital and Palmar Dermatoglyphic Patterns of Medical Students of Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State Nigeria

Dermatoglyphic traits are genetically determined and most importantly remain constant before birth until death. These traits reflect prenatal developmental stability. Dermatoglyphic features of medical students of Bingham University, Nigeria who are to proceed into clinical classes were studied to know the patterns of dermatoglyphic distributions among the male and female medical students. A total number of Sixty Two (62) medical students comprising twenty seven (27) male and thirty five (35) female students were employed for this study. Finger and palm prints were obtained according to the methods of Cummins using ink. The printink was uniformly smeared on the palmer and finger surfaces to obtain complete print of the finger tips and the palmer surfaces. Dermatoglyphic parameters were analysed with the aid of magnifying lens (X 20), the finger ridge counts (FRC), total finger ridge counts (TFRC), absolute finger ridge counts (AFRC) in male students were significantly higher than in female medical students. However, insignificant differences were noticed in palmer tri-radial angles measured (<ATD, <DAT, <ADT) and other palmer parameters such as a-b ridge counts, a-b distances and the degrees of transversality of the palmer ridges were relatively the same as shown by the main line index. Ulnar loop patterns followed by whorl patterns were found to be dominantly distributed in both male and female medical students, however, ulnar loops and spiral whorls were more prevalent (P<0.05) in male compared with female medical students. Arches were noticed to be distributed more in percentage among the female students. Therefore, in this cross-sectional descriptive study, dermatoglyphic features of presumably normal male and female individuals were found to be of great importance in basic data documentation especially in this part of the Nigeria.

A study of palmar dermatoglyphics in type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Bangalore based population

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is represented by somatic traits of genetic factors like dermatoglyphic patterns. There is a rising incidence of DM2, requiring simple means to identify predisposition to DM2. Materials and Methods: The study comprised 75 male and 75 female patients of DM2, with positive family history of diabetes, 75 male and 75 female nondiabetics as controls, with no family history of diabetes. The prints were recorded by the Ink Method and analyzed for qualitative and quantitative parameters. Results: Diabetics of both sexes showed a significantly higher incidence of spiral whorls in both hands except L2, R1 and R4 of male cases and L1 and R5 of females, and nondiabetics of both sexes showed a higher incidence of loops in both hands. Fingertip ridge counts were significantly higher in diabetics of both sexes, except L2 and R1 in males and R5 in females. In males, pattern intensity, TFRC, AFRC and MFRC of both hands were significantly higher in diabetics. In females, the pattern intensity, AFRC, MFRC of both hands and TFRC of the right hand were significantly higher in diabetics. The left hypothenar area showed a significantly higher incidence of open fields in female nondiabetics .The right fourth interdigital area showed significantly higher incidence of open fields in female diabetics. The scores for a-b ridge count, atd angle, distal deviation of t, breadth ratio and main-line index were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics can be used for early and inexpensive screening of individuals at risk for DM2. Keywords: Dermatoglyphics, Diabetes mellitus, Type 2, Non insulin dependent, Family history, South Indian population, Bangalore.

A Comparative Study of Palmar Dermatoglyphics in Thakurs and Lodhis of Bakshi Ka Talab Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Dermatoglyphic characters vary widely and are unaffected by age, gender and least by environment. Unlike configurations and their distinctiveness with every individual, it also shows bilateral, bisexual and population variations. Palm prints once created are unchangeable throughout life and are unaffected by environmental factors. This paper is based upon the palmar dermatoglyphic. The study reports on bisexual and bilateral palm prints among Lodhis and Thakurs of Rudahi village of Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow District. The palmar dermatoglyphic traits have been analyzed among the two populations which are Main line Formula, Endings of main lines D and A, Position of Axial triradius, Angle atd, Main line Index, Hypothenar, Thenar/ Ist Interdigital area, IInd Interdigital area, IIIrd Interdigital area, IVth Interdigital area, and Palmar Ridge Counts. The prints have been obtained by using the duplicating ink method on white paper. On the perusal of Principal Main line Formula among Lodhis and Thakurs, it has been noticed that the frequency is more in Lodhi males than females in formula 11.9.7. On the other hand, the frequency of Thakur males is more than Thakur females in formula 9.7.5. The Ending of Main Line D in position 11 as clearly indicated in Lodhis is higher in both the genders in comparison to Thakurs, while the position 9 indicates highest frequency in Thakur females. The Ending of main line A at position 5’ has higher frequency in Lodhi males. The Main line index value 16 is observed higher in Lodhis in comparison to Thakurs. Higher frequency has been observed in Lodhis than Thakurs in Axial triradius in modal type‘t’. The range of Angle atd is observed to have higher frequency in 36º- 40º among the Lodhis as compared to Thakurs. The palmar ridge counts mean, is found higher in Lodhi females and Thakur males. Thus this paper shows the similarity and dissimilarity among the males and females of Thakurs and Lodhis in Palmar dermatoglyphics.

Indices and Main Line Terminations in Epilepsy-A Dermatoglyphic Study

Objective: To find out an association, if any, between dermatoglyphic patterns of hands in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy of both sexes. Introduction: Genetic etiology has been proposed for both idiopathic epilepsy and dermatoglyphics. Hence, the present study has been undertaken to find out the existence of any correlation between dermatoglyphics and Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy and Department of Neurology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Ram Nagar, Dehradun. Main Line Index (MLI), Furuhata’s Index, Dankmeijer’s Index and Main line (A,B,C,D) terminations were analyzed by utilizing finger and palmar prints. Results: The present study showed a non-significant increase of MLI in right hand and non-significant decrease of MLI in left hand of cases when compared with respective hands of controls. There was an increase in Dankmeijer’s Index and a decrease in Furuhata’s Index in case group when compared with control group. Main line D was mostly confined to sectors 11, 9 and 7 in both sexes among the cases and controls. Main line C terminated quite often in sectors 9 and 7 in males and females of the case series. Main line B terminated most frequently in sectors 5'' and 7 in control and case groups. Main line A terminated most frequently in sector 5' in males and females. Conclusion: Therefore, we can conclude and hypothesize merely by observing increase in Dankmeijer’s Index, a decrease in Furuhata’s Index and Main line C termination quite often in sectors 9 and 7 in the hand dermatoglyphics (as observed in the present study) that persons with high risk of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy can be identified early and preventive measures can be taken against serious complications.

Los dermatoglifos en la población escolar de Navarra

Los autores describen los resultados obtenidos tras el estudio de los dermatoglifos digitales y palmares de 941 escolares normales (469 varones y 472 hembras), pertenecientes a varios colegios de Pamplona (Navarra). Siguiendo la metódica de Cummins y Midlo (1961) y Penrose (1968), se analizan los siguientes parámetros: 
 
 Figuras digitales, "Pattern Intensity", variedad de figuras digitales en un mismo individuo, triradio t, ángulo atd, líneas principales, índice de transversidad, índice de la línea principal, tipos modales de la línea D, tipos modales de la línea C, figuras de las áreas palmares y pliegues de flexión palmar. 
 
 Tras comparar los datos de este trabajo con los obtenidos por otros autores, se concluye que la población estudiada participa de las características generales de los európidos, aunque con ciertas peculiaridades.

Inbreeding effects on palmar dermatoglyphic characters in three endogamous social groups of West Bengal, India

The present study reports inbreeding effects on mean palmar dermatoglyphic characteristics: triradial count on palm, maximal atd angle, adt angle, td ridge count, ab ridge count, main line index (MLI) and ab ridge breadth. Samples were drawn from adult males belonging to three endogamous sections representing Hindu caste Telaga of Kharagpur (West Midnapore), Ansari Muslims of Nandigram (East Midnapore) and Sheik-Sunni Muslims of Braddhaman in West Bengal, India. Consistent trend of higher mean triradial number, adt angle, and lower mean td ridge count, ab ridge count, and ab ridge breadth was observed in inbred sections compared to their non-inbred relatives in three social groups.

A cross sectional study of dermatoglyphics and dental caries in Bengalee children

Dermatoglyphic is the permanent imprint found in hands. Variations of dermatoglyphic patterns among the individuals have been noted. To find out the dermatoglyphic pattern variations in dental caries between study group and the control group. A cross-sectional study was done on 300 Bengalee children of Kolkata between the age group of 4-14 years. The samples were divided into two groups; study group and control group. Dental caries were detected clinically using mouth mirror and probe in daylight. Ink was applied on palm and finger by pressure pad. Bilateral palm and finger prints were taken by placing the palm and fingers over glazed paper and applying pressure over palm. Finger and palm prints obtained were inspected by magnifying glass for the study of different dermatoglyphic parameters. Analytical statistical method with the help of student's t-test was used to determine mean values and gender differences in the findings using SPSS version 11.0. The characteristic feature which shows significant increase in caries sample group were increased total finger ridge count (TRFC) and absolute finger ridge count (AFRC) on fingers, representing pattern size and types. ab count and tr count were significantly lower in male and female caries sample group compared with the control group. There was a significant difference between caries and control group in different patterns and number of "tri radii on fingers" in fingers, the percentage of patterns on all palmar areas, total number of triradii on palm and main line index. Perhaps more systematic larger samples consisting of different genetic population are necessary to verify the conclusion.

Analysis of the Qualitative and Quantitative Dermatoglyphic Traits in Schizophrenia Patients

In a psychiatric diagnosis, Schizophrenia [schizein (“to split”) and phren-(“mind”)] is a mental illness. The neurodevelopment theory of the etiology of schizophrenia, suggest either genetically or epigenetically controlled faulty embryonic development of structures of ectoderm origin like brain and skin. This may disturb neurodevelopment that in turn may cause these subjects to be at increased risk for the development of schizophrenia and related disorders. Dermatoglyphics is used as a diagnostic aid in a number of diseases that have a strong hereditary basis. In the present work, we studied the frequencies of various types of skin ridges found on the digits, palms in schizophrenic patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of dermatoglyphic patterns with different blood groups and also to evaluate the role of dermatoglyphics in early detection of prone individuals and genetic predisposition of disease. Studies were conducted in 100 patients of schizophrenia and various dermatoglyphics parameters such as finger print pattern and exits of main lines were calculated. These parameters of study group were compared to controls. Qualitative analysis has shown statistically significant difference among two groups. It was observed that in blood group A the Arche pattern in both hands were pre-dominant when compared those of controls and the difference was highly significant (P< 0.05) while loop ulnar pattern was highly significant (P<0.001). Loop ulnar pattern was highly significant (P<0.001) in left hand of blood group AB. The main line index in the study group when compared to controls observed the difference.

Finger and Palmar Dermatoglyphic Study among the Dhimals of North Bengal, India

The study intends to explore finger and palmer dermatoglyphic pattern of Dhimals, a little known community of sub-Himalayan West Bengal, India. Bilateral finger and palm prints of 202 individuals of both sexes (in equal proportions) were studied for dermatoglyphic traits. The finger type exhibits more whorls (52.65%) followed by loops (45.25) with little sex differences. The values of different indices are: Pattern Intensity Index 15.05, Furuhata' s Index 116.49, Dankmeijer's Index 4.1 and Poll's Index 4.78. Total Finger Ridge Count is 162.18. The IV interdigital area is characterized by more pattern (88.73%) followed by others. Main line formula 7.5.5 is more frequent (52.94%) with 7.38 as Main Line Index. The mean value of atd angle was calculated 42.29 0 .

Quantitative Digital and Palmar Dermatoglyphics among Sardinian Linguistic Groups

Discriminant analyses of 23 digital and 15 palmar quantitative dermatoglyphic variables of 1364 Sardinians, 689 males and 675 females, were performed to identify biological relationships among five Sardinian linguistic groups of both sexes. By various subsets of dermatoglyphic variables (23 and 20 digital, 15 and 14 palmar, 4 summary traits) MANOVA revealed high intergroup heterogeneity among the groups of both sexes and within each sex. In the latter case the males are an exception when 15 and 14 (MLI removed) palmar variables are used. Standard discriminant analysis of the 23 digital variables, i.e. the radial and ulnar ridge counts on each of the 10 fingers plus total finger ridge count (TFRC), absolute finger ridge count (AFRC) and pattern intensity (PI), resulted in imperfect separation of males and females and an unclear picture of the biological relationships among the groups. In contrast, standard discriminant analysis of 20 digital variables (TFRC, AFRC and PI were removed from the analysis) resulted in separation of the sexes and a pattern of relationships among the populations consistent with their ethno-historical backgrounds. Standard discriminant analysis of 15 palmar dermatoglyphic variables failed to provide separation of the sexes and produced a pattern of relationships in disagreement with both the linguistic and ethno-historical backgrounds, even removing MLI (Main Line Index). Standard discriminant analysis of 4 summary dermatoglyphic variables (TFRC, AFRC, PI and MLI) yielded imperfect separation of males and females and an unclear pattern of relationships. By stepwise discriminant analysis with p < or = 0.01 as F-to-enter and p < or = 0.05 as F-to-remove, only 4 of the 38 digital and palmar variables were in the model (URC R5, RRC L5, RRC R5, URC R4). The pattern of inter-population biological relationships was conceptually similar to the one produced by the 20 digital variables. It showed a clear separation of the Gallurian group (both males and females), which speaks an Italian dialect. The properly Sardinian linguistic groups (Campidanian and Logudorian), the Sassarian group (which speaks an Italian dialect) and the Alghero group (which speaks Catalan) were close to one another. This picture agrees with the ethno-historical background rather than with the linguistic one.

Quantitative Dermatoglyphic Variation among Five Reddi Populations of Southern Andhra Pradesh

Bilateral finger and palm prints of 1000 Reddi males, 200 each of five endogamous groups namely Pokanati (PNR), Pedakanti (PKR), Panta (PTR), Akuthota(ATR) and Palle (PLR), were studied for eight quantitative dermatoglyphic traits. The finger pattern intensity index (FPII) ranging from 12.74 (PNR) to 13.79 (PTR) shows higher values for right hands of all populations. With regard to mean ridge counts (RCs and SRCs) no clear trend is observed. The mean TFRC (132.81) and AFRCs (177.59) are higher in the PTR and PKR respectively. Transversality of ridges on right palms was found to be more as indicated by their uniformly and significantly higher main line index (MLI) values. The bilateral differences for a-b ridge count are insignificant. The five Reddi groups do not show considerable variation in the mean atd angle, the bilaterality being significant with the exception of ATR. F-Values for all traits were calculated to understand the between and within population variations. The distance calculated according to Mahalanobis D 2 between PLR and PKR was found to be more (0.1148) compared to the rest of the pairs of populations. The minimal cluster is formed between PTR and ATR showing lesser within cluster variability.

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.

A Study of Palmar Dermatoglyphics Among Sugalis, a Tribal Population of Andhra Pradesh

Bilateral palm prints of 75 males and 75 females of Sugali, a tribal population of Andhra Prdesh were analysed for principal main line formulae, C- line polymorphism, main line index, a-b ridge count and 'atd' angle. Main line formulae occur in the order of 11-9-7 > 9-7-5 > 7-5-5 among males and 9-7-5 > 11-9-7 > 7-5-5 among females and shows significant bilateral and bisexual variation. C- line terminations show preponderance of ulnar endings in both males (37.33%) and females (40.67%) with significant bilateral difference only among males. Main line index value is found to be more among males (8.33 ± 0.31) than that of females (7.30 ± 0.24) the bisexual variation is statistically significant. a-b ridge counts are found to be higher on left palms than the right ones and both the sexes show significant bilateral difference. Similar trend was observed for 'atd' angle but the differences fall short of significance.

Fluctuating asymmetry in dermatoglyphics of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Bangalore-based population

Background: The aetiology of NIDDM is believed to be as a consequence of genetic and environmental factors that impair metabolism. While little can be done on the genetic component, much can be done as a preventive measure in NIDDM. Because nothing much can be done prenatally, researchers have resorted to studying physical variables like dermatoglyphics (DGs). Dermatoglyphic patterns form on the finger pad and the palm prenatally and remain unchanged throughout life, thus these features may serve as markers for fetal origin of adult disease like NIDDM. Thus the concept of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) which has been defined as random differences between the right (R) and left (L) sides of a morphological trait has gained prominence in diseases like schizophrenia. When the distribution of R-L differences in a population sample approximates a normal curve with a mean approximately equal to zero, the variance of distributions of R-L difference is a measure of FA. Studies have shown that genetic factors may also have a link to FA in finger and a-b ridge counts. No studies have been reported on FA in NIDDM. FA derived from quantitative parameters in DGs of NIDDM may throw light on fetal origins of an adult disease. Hence this study has been undertaken. Aim: The present study aims at deriving FA from quantitative parameters in DGs of NIDDM compared to controls in the Bangalore based population. Materials and Methods: Bilateral rolled finger and palm prints of 150 NIDDM patients (Males - 75, Females - 75) were compared to 120 controls (Males - 60, females -60) from Bangalore based population. FA measures derived from quantitative parameters (finger ridge counts, a-b ridge counts, main line index and palmar angles) were analysed. Results: Comparisons were made in all parameters between homologous fingers of both hands using Pearson's product moment correlation coefficients (r). The difference in correlation coefficients between cases and controls was calculated using Fisher's Z transformation. 1-r2 an estimate of error variance thus measures FA. FA measures were significantly higher in NIDDM males for the 5th finger (FA=2.04) and for the palmar angle 'dat' (FA=2.24); for the NIDDM female a high FA was found in the 2nd finger (FA=2.17) compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Overall measures of the above ridge counts and angles and their derived measures of FA were prominent features of NIDDM in this sample.

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

Main Line Index and Transversality Among Three Caste Population of Assam

Main Line Index and Transversality Among Three Caste Population of Assam

Dermatoglyphic characteristics of a population from the Central Rhodopes (South Bulgaria)

The finger and palmar prints of a total of 386 individuals (182 males and 204 females) at an age between 10 and 18 years from the region of the villages Petkovo and Banite, situated along the river Malka Arda in the Central Rhodopes, were studied. The following dermatoglyphic traits were analyzed: pattern intensity index (PII), the main line or Cummin's index (MLI), the frequencies of the proximal palmar triradius (t), the true hypothenar patterns (Hy) and the accessory interdigital triradii (AIT). The specific dermatoglyphic complexes after Heet were also determined for the population under study. A peculiarity of this population is the appearance of a clearly expressed Eastern Complex (EC), which accounts for 53.1% in the males and for 48.8% in the females. These values of EC and the calculated dermatoglyphic distances (DD) after Heet show a similarity between the examined population and a number of populations from the Volga region, Northern Caucasus, Middle Asia and Siberia. This similarity could be explained with the preservation of the genetic heritage of the proto-Bulgarians, one of the three main components of the modern Bulgarians.

Population structure in Sardinia on the basis of quantitative palmar dermatoglyphic traits

We describe the genetic structure of twenty Sardinian subpopulations using quantitative palmar dermatoglyphic traits (a-b, and A-d counts, atd angle value, coefficient of Turpin and Lejeune, main line index, mean of A-, B-, C, and D-line terminations) of 3777 subjects (2043 males and 1734 females). The twenty subdivisions represent sixteen historical-geographic areas of the island in which people speaks Sardinian language, Sassarese and Gallura areas in which people speaks two Italian dialects, and the two communities of Alghero (Catalan speaking) and Carloforte (Ligurian speaking). Analysis was carried out for both hands and both sexes combined and using R-matrix technique and the extension of the Harpending-Ward model to quantitative traits according to Relethford & Blangero (1990). Multivariate minimum Fst value (0.0127) is higher than that of most. Mediterranean populations and shows the importance of isolation and genetic drift as evolutive forces at the basis of microdifferentiation among the Sardinian subpopulations considered. However, when the four populations not speaking Sardinian language are removed from the analysis, the value of Fst decreases to 0.008. The regression of mean genetic variance on distances from the centroid (rii values) states the marked effect of the genetic drift for Nuorese and Barbagia di Ollolai subdivisions (placed in the inner and mountainous areas of Sardinia) and reveals considerable levels of admixture for Carloforte subdivision. The contemporary genetic structure of these groups reflects their historical, linguistic and geographic characteristics. On the whole, our analysis confirms the usefulness of quantitative dermatoglyphic traits in studying genetic population structure.

Variation in maximal angle &lt;atd among 20 Dhangar castes of Maharashtra, India

In a sample of 3000 males belonging 20 endogamous castes from Maharashtra were analysed to determine specifically the distribution of <atd along with bilateral differences and population variation. The right, left and right plus left sides, each separately exhibit unimodal, meptokurtic and positively skewed distribution in all populations. The mean and standard deviations are significantly heterogenous in nature. Non-significant bilateral differences of atd angle toward symmetry express well in all 20 castes. Population variations are found to be lesser, i.e. 44 (23.16%) significant out of 190 caste pairs compared to other palmar quantitative variables like interdigital ridge counts — ab, bc and cd; and main line index. These results suggests, angle atd is more stable phenotype compared to some other palmar quantitative characters.