Significant Bilateral Differences Research Articles

Changes in masseter muscle morphology after surgical-orthodontic treatment in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with mandibular asymmetry: The automatic masseter muscle segmentation model

This study evaluated the masseter muscle changes after surgical-orthodontic treatment in patients with a skeletal Class III malocclusion using automatic segmentation. Images of 120 patient with skeletal Class III malocclusion were obtained and reconstructed at T0 (pretreatment), T1 (presurgery), and T2 (6-12-month postsurgery). The patients were divided into symmetrical and asymmetrical groups. The volume, major axis length, maximum cross-sectional area, horizontal cross-sectional area 5 mm above the mandibular foramen (CSAF), and orientation were calculated automatically. In the asymmetrical group, the volume and major axis length on the deviated side were lower than on the nondeviated side at T0, T1, and T2 (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in maximum cross-sectional area and CSAF bilaterally. The orientation was coronally more vertical and sagittally more forward on the deviated side (both P<0.001). In the symmetrical group, there were no significant bilateral differences at T0, T1, and T2. The volume, major axis length, and CSAF decreased, and the coronal orientation was more vertical on the nondeviated side at T2 than at T0 in both groups (P<0.05). The coronal plane orientation was more inclined on the deviated side at T2 than at T0 in the asymmetrical group (P<0.05). The smaller volume on the deviated side at T2 indicates the need for myofunctional training after surgery. The masseter muscle volume and the cross-sectional area did not recover to the preorthodontic levels. Studies with longer follow-up durations are needed to confirm these findings.

Prediction of Body Height Using Hand Length and Hand Breadth in Pharmacy and Nursing Students at Misrake Ghion College, Northeast Ethiopia: An Anthropometry Study.

To predict body height using hand length and hand breadth in pharmacy and nursing students at Misrake Ghion College, Northeast Ethiopia. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from October 15 to January 20, 2021. The study was carried out on 316 students (160 males and 156 females). The study participants were from the Amhara ethnic groups, with the age range of 18 to 25 years. Body height, hand length, and hand breath were measured and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The strength of association was evaluated using correlation analysis. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. A paired sample t test was performed. Regression equations were derived using simple and multiple linear regression analysis. Hand length and hand breadth had a positive significant correlation with body height in both male and females. In both males and females, left hand length had a strong significant correlation (males r = 0.768, females r = 0.670), followed by right hand length (males r = 0.711, females r = 0.626). Regarding hand length, right hand breadth (males r = 0.671, female r = 0.438) and left hand length (males r = 0.504, females r = 0.525). There was a significant bilateral difference in hand length and hand breadth on its right and left sides (p < 0.05). Simple and multiple regression equations were formulated for each sex. In both males and females, body height can be estimated from hand length and breadth using simple or multiple regression equations.

Bilateral Asymmetry and the Relationship Between Unilateral Isokinetic Strength and Balance Performance in Male Adolescent Football Players

Muscle strength and balance ability have been related to injury prevention and game actions performance in football. The aims of this study are twofold: (1) to examine bilateral asymmetries in isokinetic strength and balance assessments, and (2) to evaluate the relationship between muscle strength and balance measures. Eighty-eight male adolescent football players were assessed for body composition (InBody 770), isokinetic strength (Biodex System 4 Pro Dynamometer), and balance performance (Biodex Balance System). Paired samples t-tests were conducted to determine bilateral differences in strength and balance. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression analyses evaluated the relationship between strength and balance. No significant bilateral strength differences were observed in knee flexors (KF) and knee extensors (KE) peak torque (PT) scores. No bilateral differences were found for balance measures, except in the lateromedial stability index, which was better while performing with the preferred leg (p ≤ 0.01; d = 0.29). Significant correlations were found between KE PT and balance tasks (p ≤ 0.01). KF and KE PT shared between 18 and 22% of the common variance in the overall stability index in the non-preferred and preferred leg, respectively. Monitoring strategies of bilateral asymmetries may be crucial to enhance performance in tasks underpinned by unilateral movements, such as changes of direction and sprints, and to identify players at risk of injury. Adopting these strategies during the early stages of football training might be crucial for players’ long-term development.

Gait Parameters of Elite Kickboxing Athletes

Background: Correct movement techniques are crucial for enhancing athletic performance and minimizing the risk of injury. This is particularly true for kickboxing, in which a variety of forms of locomotion are employed. Despite its importance, gait and movement analysis in this sport is under-researched. The primary objective of this study is to understand gait patterns and limb symmetry between the dominant and non-dominant legs among professional kickboxers and to explore their correlation with the level of technical and tactical preparation. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 20 elite kickboxers. Data collection employed the 3D Force Treadmill for gait parameters, as well as simulated sparring sessions to evaluate technical–tactical indices. Various gait parameters were analyzed, including the center of pressure (COP), gait phase, spatial and time parameters, as well as reaction force. Results: No significant bilateral differences were found in the majority of gait variables. Exceptions were in the medio-lateral component of the COP and force, where more deviation was observed in the non-dominant foot. The only noted significant correlation was between lateral symmetry and attack activity. Conclusions: This study allows us to indicate that kickboxers’ training promotes symmetrical gait patterns. Targeted training interventions could further optimize these patterns. The significant relationship between lateral symmetry and attack activity suggests areas for future research and potential performance improvement. The results of this study contribute to athletes’ self-monitoring and coaching strategies.

Analysis of inter-joint coordination during the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit tasks in stroke patients with hemiplegia

BackgroundInter-joint coordination is an important factor affecting postural stability, and its variability increases after fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the coordination pattern of lower limb joints during the sit-to-stand (Si-St) and stand-to-sit (St-Si) tasks in stroke patients and explore the influence of duration on inter-joint coordination.MethodsThirteen stroke hemiplegia patients (five with left paretic and eight right paretic) and thirteen age-matched healthy subjects were recruited. The Si-St and St-Si tasks were performed while each subject’s joint kinematics were recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Sagittal joint angles of the bilateral hip, knee and ankle joints as well as the movement duration were extracted. The angle-angle diagrams for the hip-knee, hip-ankle and knee-ankle joint were plotted to assess the inter-joint coordination. The inter-joint coordination was quantified using geometric characteristics of the angle-angle diagrams, including perimeter, area and dimensionless ratio. The coefficient of variation (CV) was performed to compare variability of the coordination parameters.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the perimeter, area and dimensionless ratio values of the bilateral hip-knee, hip-ankle and knee-ankle inter-joints during Si-St and St-Si tasks in the stroke group. The perimeter values of bilateral hip-knee and knee-ankle inter-joints in the stroke group were lower (P<0.05) than in the healthy group during Si-St and St-Si tasks. Although no significant bilateral differences were found, the inter-joint coordination in stroke patients decreased with the increased movement duration of both Si-St and St-Si tasks. Additionally, the CV of the hip-knee inter-joint area during the Si-St task in the stroke group was less than (P<0.05) that in the healthy group.ConclusionStroke patients exhibit different inter-joint coordination patterns than healthy controls during the Si-St and St-Si tasks. The duration affects joint coordination, and inter-joint coordination is limited on the hemiplegic side joint pairs, which may lead to inconsistency in the rhythm of the left and right leg inter-joint movements and increase the risk of falls. These findings provide new insights into motor control rehabilitation strategies and may help planning targeted interventions for stoke patients with hemiplegia.

Osseous Bridges of the Sphenoid Bone: Frequency, Bilateral and Sex Distribution.

Sellar (caroticoclinoid and interclinoid), pterygospinous and pterygoalar bridges are osseous bars of the sphenoid bone, which enclose additional foramina in the skull base and could cause entrapment of nerves, occlusion of vessels and obstruction of surgical corridors. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sphenoid bone bridges in Bulgarians and to assess the bilateral and sex differences in their distribution. This study was performed on head CT scans of 315 Bulgarians, 148 males and 167 females. The sellar bridges were the most common type of sphenoid bridging; particularly the caroticoclinoid bridge. The pterygospinous bridge was a relatively common finding and the pterygoalar bridge was the most infrequent type of bridging. The total frequency of sellar bridges did not differ significantly between both sides and sexes. The pterygospinous bridge did not indicate significant bilateral differences but showed considerable sex differences concerning the left-side occurrence, which was significantly higher in the male series. There were no considerable bilateral and sex differences in the distribution of the pterygoalar bridging. There were no significant correlations between the different types of sphenoid bone bridges, but each type of bridging showed significant positive correlations between the right and left side co-occurrence in males and females.

Hard and Soft Tissue Asymmetry in Patients with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study.

This study aims to investigate hard and soft tissue asymmetry in skeletal Class III patients to elucidate how soft tissue thickness alters overall asymmetry and whether menton deviation is correlated with bilateral differences in hard and soft tissue prominence and soft tissue thickness. The cone-beam computed tomography data of 50 skeletal Class III adults were divided based on menton deviation into symmetric (n = 25; deviation ≤ 2.0 mm) and asymmetric (n = 25; deviation > 2.0 mm) groups. Forty-four corresponding hard and soft tissue points were identified. Bilateral hard and soft tissue prominence and soft tissue thickness were compared using paired t-tests. The correlations between bilateral differences in these variables and menton deviation were examined using Pearson's correlation analysis. In the symmetric group, no significant bilateral differences in soft and hard tissue prominence and soft tissue thickness were observed. In the asymmetric group, both hard and soft tissue prominence were significantly greater on the deviated side than the non-deviated side at most of the points; however, no significant differences in soft tissue thickness were detected except at point 9 (ST9/ST'9, p = 0.011). The difference of hard and soft tissue prominence at point 8 (H8/H'8 and S8/S'8) was positively correlated with menton deviation, whereas the soft tissue thickness at point 5 (ST5/ST'5) and point 9 (ST9/ST'9) was negatively correlated with menton deviation (p = 0.05). Soft tissue thickness does not affect overall asymmetry in the presence of underlying hard tissue asymmetry. Soft tissue thickness at the centre of the ramus may be correlated with the degree of menton deviation in patients with asymmetry; however, this correlation needs to be confirmed by further studies.

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.

Analysis of the auricles and auricular shape types for ear-related wearables: A study of mainland Chinese sample aged 15-79.

Comprehension of the complex shape of the auricle and how it differs in terms of factors such as sex, age, and side have become an imperative aspect of the fabrication and service delivery of products that are natural, functional, and healthy for users. This study was aimed at providing a clear understanding of the anthropometric characteristics based on age, sex, size, and side and shape type of the auricles of mainland Chinese samples. Casting and 3D scanning were employed to obtain eighteen auricular measurement variables from 1120 subjects (aged 15-79). Examination of sex-related and bilateral differences were conducted. Furthermore, factor analysis was employed to establish the factors associated with the variations in auricular shape. Also, hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to classify the auricular shapes of individuals. The auricular inclination angle, conchal depth and tragal height did not exhibit any specific trend across the age groups. No significant bilateral difference was observed in both genders. The auricular shapes were classified into five types according to six major factors. It was observed that measurement variables of the Chinese auricles changed continuously with age, with most of the linear variables exhibiting a steady increase. The apparent strong association between the auricular types and age groups indicate that a person's auricular shape may change with age.

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.

Age-related differences in glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, humeral retrotorsion angle, and posterior shoulder tightness in baseball players.

Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit is generally recognized as a risk factor for throwing disability in baseball players. However, the pathology, timing of onset, role in the onset of humeral retrotorsion angle (HTA) and soft tissue extensibility (STE), and the relationshipwith age remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate age-related glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, HTA, and STE in Japanese baseball players and determine whether these factors correlate with throwing disability. Participants were 172 male baseball players divided into a symptomatic group (n=68) and an asymptomatic group (n=104). The mean age at examination was 15.4±3.2 (range, 8-22) years. Measurement items were range of motion of bilateral internal and external rotation at 90° abduction (2ndIR and 2ndER, respectively), bilateral HTA, and posterior shoulder muscle elasticity. Correlations of age, symptom, and dominance with these measurements were investigated, and significant bilateral differences in HTA and STE by age and symptom were analyzed. HTA and 2ndER of the dominant side were significantly greater than those of the nondominant side in those over the age of 13 years in both the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups. In contrast, 2ndIR of the dominant side was significantly smaller than that of the nondominant side in those over the age of 13 years in both the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups. The difference in HTA between the dominant and nondominant sides increased and then plateaued at 12° after the age of 16 years. STE was observed only in the symptomatic group, and the value of STE was significantly greater in players aged >16 years compared with that in players aged <12 years (P=.001). Muscle elasticity did not differ significantly between sides and showed no correlation with STE. The difference in HTA between the dominant and nondominant sides increased with age until 16 years old regardless of symptoms. STE in the dominant side was observed only in symptomatic baseball players after the age of 13 years and increased with age, plateauing around the age of 16 years. Posterior shoulder muscle elasticity was not indicated as a cause of STE.

Chronic adaptations of the long head of the biceps tendon and groove in professional baseball pitchers.

The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) plays a significant shoulder stabilizing role during pitching, with the large forces and repetitions involved in overhead throwing likely contributing to LHBT pathology. Determining whether the LHBT undergoes adaptive changes in baseball pitchers and how these changes relate to bicipital groove morphology can improve our understanding of the biceps function at the glenohumeral joint. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the chronic adaptations of the bicipital groove morphology and the LHBT in professional baseball pitchers, with a secondary purpose of evaluating biceps integrity as it relates to torsional changes of the bicipital groove. We hypothesized that the throwing arm of professional baseball pitchers would exhibit chronic adaptations of the LHBT compared with their nonthrowing arm, and that these adaptations would be related to the bicipital groove morphology. Fifty-three professional baseball pitchers were enrolled at the beginning of the 2015 Major League Baseball spring training. Ultrasound was used to bilaterally measure humeral retroversion and to capture images of the bicipital groove and the LHBT. MATLAB software was used to calculate the area of the bicipital groove, and ImageJ software was used to quantify the area, echogenicity, and circularity of the LHBT. The dominant arm LHBT cross-sectional area was significantly smaller than the nondominant arm (9 mm2 vs. 10 mm2; P = .011), whereas the dominant arm LHBT echogenicity was significantly higher than the nondominant arm (65 optical density vs. 59 optical density; P = .002). Pitchers with more bicipital groove rotational adaptation (more retroversion) had significantly more LHBT echogenicity adaptation compared with pitchers with less bicipital groove rotational adaptation (12 vs. 2; P = .023). There are significant bilateral differences in the LHBT of professional baseball pitchers. An adaptation in bony rotation was associated with a larger bilateral difference in LHBT echogenicity but was not related to bilateral differences in LHBT area or circularity. Therefore, the bilateral difference in echogenicity is impacted by bony morphology, whereas the bilateral difference in cross-sectional area may be independent of bony morphology in this healthy population.

Comparison of bilateral isokinetic and isometric strength differences in elite young male and female taekwondo athletes.

Definition of strength imbalance between legs and muscles does not only play a decisive role for higher performance but also prevents sport injury. The purpose of this study was to determine bilateral differences on isokinetic and isometric strength of knee extensor and flexor muscles in male and female elite young taekwondo athletes. Ten male (age: 19.40±0.84 years) and female (age: 18.24±1.42 years) taekwondo athletes of the Turkish national team between 17–20-year of age participated in the study. Concentric peak torque of hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) of the dominant (D) and nondominant leg (ND) was evaluated using isokinetic machine (Cybex Humac Norm) at 60° and 180°/sec. Isometric peak torque of both legs was determined at 60°. Significant differences were found between genders (P<0.05). Concentric and isometric knee strength was significantly greater in male than that of female (P< 0.05). Although no significant bilateral strength difference was found in both sexes in concentric and isometric strength (P>0.05), and isometric H strength was in favor of the dominant leg 15% for men athletes and 11% for women. H/Q ratio was similar between gender and legs. The study revealed no bilateral knee strength asymmetry in both male and female taekwondo athletes. However, male had 20%–30% higher isometric and concentric knee extensor and flexor strength than female in both legs.

Topography of the common fibular nerve terminal division in human foetuses.

The progress of paediatric surgery and increasingly better diagnosis of foetal defects require detailed knowledge of human developmental anatomy. Precise knowledge of the anatomy of innervation of the lower extremities corresponds to this subject and is not only cognitive but also clinically important. The end of the common fibular nerve is superficially located in the area exposed to frequent injuries as well as in the area subject to possible surgical repair procedures. The analysis was carried out on 200 human foetuses aged from the 113th day to 222nd day of foetal life. The study material is a part of local foetal collection. The study incorporated the following methods: anthropological, preparational and image acquisition which was acquired with the use of high-resolution digital camera. Statistical analysis was carried out with the use of STATISTICA package. Based on the research results the new typology of the examined nerve was determined. The head of the fibula was the criterion: (i) high division - above the head of the fibula (1%); (ii) intermediate division - at the height of the head of the fibula (34%); (iii) low division - below the head of the fibula (65%). The mathematical analysis did not reveal statistically significant bilateral and gender differences. Moreover the additional branch was observed in 30% of foetuses, regardless of age class. This branch occurred in 50% of cases in both sides of the foetus. This nerve was defined as the accessory fibular nerve (nervous fibularis/peroneus accessorius). The created unique typology of the terminal division of common fibular nerve is an important supplement to the anatomical knowledge and at the same time, due to the peripheral and superficial location of the described structures, it has a relatively high clinical significance.

CT-based evaluation of the acetabulum for age estimation in an Indian population.

Age estimation constitutes an important aspect of forensic research, investigation and human identification. For the purpose of age estimation, various markers within the skeletal framework are employed. Degenerative morphological changes in the skeleton can be used for age estimation in adults. Amongst the various bones, age-progressive changes in the innominate bone are of particular significance in age estimation. Within the pelvis, the acetabulum presents as a durable and well-preserved evidence, characteristic manifestations of which can be employed for age estimation. The present study aimed at a CT-based evaluation of acetabular changes for the purpose of age estimation in an Indian population. CT images of 250 individuals aged 10-88years were scrutinized according to the features defined in the Calce method of acetabular age estimation. Scores were allotted to the various features and a cumulative score was calculated. No significant bilateral and sex differences were observed. Significant correlation was obtained between the scores for these defined characteristics and the chronological age of individuals. Population-specific regression models were generated for age estimation. The scoring method devised in the present research requires further validation as it represents a new tool for age estimation in medico-legal cases.

The Macromicroscopic Anatomy and Microtopography of the Lower Jaw in Fetuses of 14–18 Weeks

In the article the features of anatomical structure and microtopography of the lower jaw of fetus at the age of 14–18 weeks were discussed. The relevance of the research is due to the prevalence of congenital pathology of the maxillofacial region, the possibilities of its early prenatal diagnosis and correction in connection with the development of fetal surgery.The aim of the research is to get new data of the macromicroscopic anatomy and microtopography of the lower jaw in fetuses of 14–18 weeks.Material and methods. The object of the research was the lower jaw of 40 male and female fetuses at the age of 14–18 weeks. The research was carried out using morphological methods and the method of ultrasound scanning. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the lower jaw were studied.Results. The lower jaw of the fetus at the age of 14–18 weeks is already formed and has basic anatomical structures. The body, angle, ramus, condylar and coronoid processes, teeth anlages, which can be described on morphological preparations and studied using the method of ultrasound scanning, are defined in the lower jaw. In front of the lower jaw, soft tissues are located, their thickness varies from 2.1 to 3.9 mm. Behind the lower jaw, there is a slit space with a width of 0.3 to 1.5 mm, behind it the tongue and the oral part of the pharynx are situated. The latter has an irregular shape. In a fetus of 14-18 weeks, major salivary glands (parotid, sublingual and submandibular) are already formed and determined on different cuts. The length of the alveolar arch is 29.1±6.2 mm, the width of the lower jaw is 19.5±4.2 mm. At this time, the lower jaw can be presented by two anlages and a symphysis located along the median line. The symphysis on horizontal cut has a fusiform shape, it narrows to the outer and inner surfaces of the lower jaw. In the narrow part, its size varies from 0.1 to 0.4 mm, the extension in the central part is from 0.5 to 0.9 mm. In the lower jaw, the anlages of decidual teeth of an irregular shape are determined. The size of anlages varies from 1.3 to 2.3 mm, depending on the type of tooth. On some cuts under the anlage of primary tooth, it is possible to determine the anlage of permanent one. The significant bilateral and sex differences of human fetuses at the age of 14–18 weeks of intrauterine development were not revealed.Conclusion. The lower jaw of fetuses at the age of 14–18 weeks has all elements of the anatomical structure, with certain fetal features (incomplete accretion of the mandibular processes, anlages of decidual and permanent teeth, microtopographic relationships with adjacent anatomical structures). At this stage of development, there are no significant bilateral and sex differences. The use of various methodological approaches to the research of the qualitative and quantitative anatomy of the lower jaw makes it possible to detail and supplement the substantiation of approaches for fetal surgery.

Classification and Regression Tree Analysis for Predicting Morphological Hand Types Based on Radiography Data

Analysis and systematization of the longitudinal dimensions of the phalanges of the index and ring fingers for the classification of morphological types of the hand using classification and regression trees (CART). X-rays of the hands of 50 men and 50 women (mean age 47.16 (10.1) years, range 23-65 years) were studied. Each hand, depending on the ratio of the length of the index and ring fingers, was classified into three types: radial (R, 2d>4d), indefinite (N, 2d=4d), ulnar (U, 2d>4d). Morphometry of radiographs included measurements of the lengths of the proximal (PP), middle (MP), and distal (DP) phalanges. The sex differences of the analyzed indicators are statistically significant. There were no significant bilateral differences between the phalanges of the II and IV fingers in length, regardless of sex (p>0.05). A set of rules for classifying the morphological types of the hand depending on the lengths of the phalanges of the index and ring fingers was created by constructing a binary decision tree. The CART method demonstrates the usefulness of this statistical procedure for developing a scientifically based prediction of the morphological type of the hand. The results of this study can be the basis of an algorithm for determining the morphological type of the hand depending on the length of the phalanges of the fingers.

Stature estimation from various three-dimensional anthropometric foot measurements of Taiwanese female population

Predicting a victim's stature from a dismembered body or human remains is a challenge in forensic practice. Lower extremity dimensions, such as the foot, are essential measurements for stature estimation. However, there is no available information on stature prediction generated from Taiwanese female foot measurements in the forensic science field. Hence, this study aims to investigate the correlations between various foot dimensions and stature and develop population-specific stature-prediction equations for Taiwanese females. Bilateral data of 12 foot dimensions were collected from 1058 females aged from 18 to 59 years using three-dimensional scanning. A pairedt-test is performed to evaluate bilateral differences, and linear and stepwise regression analyses are performed to generate stature predictions. The results indicate significant bilateral differences in the majority of the foot measurements. All measurements are positively correlated with stature (p < .05). Higher correlation coefficients with stature are observed in length-related foot dimensions, followed by girth- and breadth-related dimensions. The foot length on both sides is selected as an accurate and reliable parameter to conduct linear stature-predicting regression for Taiwanese females because it exhibits the highest explanation rate (right: 54.1%; left: 50.8%) and lowest estimating standard error (right: 3.883 cm, left: 4.020 cm) among the 12 foot measurements. Based on the results of the stepwise regression analysis, several stature-prediction equations consisting of various foot measurements are established. The findings of this study can provide helpful information for predicting the stature of Taiwanese females from fragmentary foot remains.

Variability in human external ear anthropometry- Anthropological and forensic applications.

The human auricle has attracted the attention of forensic scientists since a long for its unique morphological characteristics. In modern times, these unique features can be captured by CCTV cameras, which may be extremely useful during the identification process in a criminal investigation. Unique morphological characteristics such as Darwin's tubercle, shape, and size of the ear, different morphological features of the helix, tragus, lobule, etc. are frequently used in the identification and individualization process. The human ear was not only accessi-ble for its morphological and morphometric variations, but also its existing bilateral, sex, and population differences. The present study was conducted on 140 individuals (71 males and 69 females) aged between 18 and 30 years. The data were collected from the colleges of Nahan city of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh state of North India. Various anthropometric measurements were taken independently on the left and right ear of each individual with the help of a pair of sliding calipers using a standard method. These linear measurements were physiognomic ear length, physiognomic ear breadth, ear length above tragus, distance from tragus to antihelix, distance from tragus to the helix, lobule height, and lobule width. Auricular index, lobular index, and lobular ear index were calculated from the aforementioned measurements. Further, an independent t-test/ Mann Witney U test and paired sample t-test/ Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were applied for the evaluation of sex differences and bilateral differences in the human ear, respectively. For the prediction of sexual dimorphism, discriminant function analysis was applied. Physiognomic ear length, physiognomic ear breadth, ear length above tragus, distances from tragus to antihelix (left ear only), and tragus to helix exhibited significant sex differences on both sides (p<0.05). Significant bilateral differences (p<0.05) were reported for all the measurements of the ear in males except for lobule height, whereas, significant side differences (p<0.05) were shown for ear length above tragus, distance from tragus to helix, and lobule width among females. The discriminant function model showed 82.10% accuracy for determining sexual dimorphism. The study highlighted sexual dimorphism and bilateral differences in ear morphometry in a north Indian population and provided a database of anthropometric variables in the human ear for forensic and anthropological uses.

Stature estimation using foot dimensions via 3D scanning in Taiwanese male adults

In forensic identification, the use of foot dimensions to predict stature is a requisite. For Taiwanese male stature prediction, available information about stature estimation using foot dimensions is still lacking. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to establish Taiwanese adult male stature prediction models for various foot dimensions. A total of 2,072 male 3D foot models were collected and the subjects' ages ranged from 18 to 59 years old. Thirteen foot dimensions for each foot were utilized in this study. Bilateral differences were tested using pairedt-tests. Stature predictions based on different foot dimensions were conducted using simple linear and stepwise regression methods. The results showed significant bilateral differences in the majority of the selected foot dimensions (p < 0.001). Foot length had the highest positive correlation with stature in the right and left foot. Using length-related dimensions generated better prediction accuracy (0.356 < R2 < 0.533, 4.193 < SEE < 4.928), whereas the worst accuracy was observed with angle-related dimensions (0.001 < R2 < 0.023; 6.072 < SEE < 6.137) when employing a single foot dimension to estimate Taiwanese male stature. Stepwise regression analysis results indicated that the coefficient of determination was improved to 0.590 and 0.593 by applying five and six foot parameters to predict stature, respectively. The findings of the present study suggest that these stature estimation equations can be applied to predict Taiwanese male stature in the forensic science field.