Estimation of stature from the foot and its segments in a sub-adult female population of North India

Estimation of stature with the help of tooth length using cone beam computed tomography

Introduction and Aim: Stature is the primary tool in personal identification for forensic and physical anthropology for over a period. In the absence of full skeleton, the stature can be estimated from various skeletal components. Utilizing cranium and dentition measurements is simpler as these structures are fixed, grown and straight forward to locate. Few researches had been undertaken to establish the efficacy of teeth dimensions in height assessment. But we could not come across any such studies on tooth length. So, the present research was conducted to estimate the stature from tooth length using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).   Materials and Methods: Tooth lengths of all 4 canines were measured on digital CBCT using inbuilt software Planmeca Romexis® Software (Helsinki, Finland). Height was considered as measurement of length, from the head to toe using standard height chart. Pearson correlation test and linear regression analysis was used as a statistical tool for co-relation co-efficient and population specific formula for height assessment.   Results: There was a very good correlation between tooth length and stature, with r value 0.12-0.81 and p value less than 0.05. The length of the mandibular right canine had better correlation with stature followed by mandibular left canine, maxillary left canine and maxillary right canine. Regression equation was developed from tooth length, to predict stature.   Conclusion: Tooth length measuring using CBCT has a very good correlation with the height of the individual, as it is closer to actual length. Combined data, without sex as a parameter provides more accurate prediction. However, predication accuracy was better in females than males, when gender considered as a parameter in the regression analysis.

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.

Reliability of a two-dimensional sock-clad footprint linear measurement method

A two-dimensional linear measurement approach for footprints, herein referred to as the "Reel Method," has been shown to be valid and reliable when used on bare footprints, however, few measurement approaches have been examined on sock-clad footprints. The present investigation examines the validity and reliability of the Reel Method as a two-dimensional linear measurement approach for use on sock-clad footprints. A walking, mid-gait footprint was collected from 30 volunteer participants using the Identicator Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system. The width of the ball of the foot, calcaneal width, and distance from the most posterior aspect of the heel to the most distal aspect of the first toe were each measured and compared between and within three raters. The statistical analysis demonstrated high reliability of the Reel Method among these three raters. The data were found to be normally distributed, and measurements were consistent between and within raters. 95% Intraclass Correlation coefficients, 95% Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement and 95% Standard Error of Measurement determined high statistical agreement between and within raters, demonstrating that the Reel Method is reliable and thus valid for the linear measurement of sock-clad footprints.

In vitro Anticancer Effects of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract and Green-Synthesised Silver Nanoparticles

Purpose

Vernonia amygdalina (VA) is a traditional African herbal medicine that has been reported to possess anticancer properties. However, the anticancer properties of VA silver nanoparticles have not been studied. The aim of the study was to examine and evaluate the anticancer activities of VA leaf extracts and VA silver nanoparticles on the human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7.

Methods

VA leaves were extracted using sequential extraction assisted with ultrasound using three different solvents: ethanol, 50% ethanol, and deionized water. The silver nanoparticles were synthesised with VA aqueous extract.

Results

The ethanol extract and VA silver nanoparticles inhibit MCF-7 cell proliferation with an average half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 67µg/mL and 6.11µg/mL, respectively, after 72 hours of treatment. The ethanol extract and VA silver nanoparticles also caused G1 phase cell cycle arrest, induced apoptosis and nuclear fragmentation in MCF-7 cells.

Conclusion

VA ethanol extracts and VA silver nanoparticles decreased the cell viability in MCF-7 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis and causing DNA damage. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of VA leaf extracts and VA silver nanoparticles. This study is the first to report on the anticancer activity of VA silver nanoparticles in MCF-7 cells.

Stature estimation from handprint measurements: an application to the medicolegal investigation

BACKGROUND

The estimation of the stature of human beings is a major part of medicolegal investigation when only body parts are found. The study aimed to estimate the stature from different handprint measurements in a Bangladeshi population using statistical considerations. A sample of 200 young Bangladeshi adults (100 men and 100 women) with no physical disabilities participated in this study. Stature and seven anthropometric measurements were measured using standard anthropometric measurements. The bilateral asymmetry was tested using the independent t test. The Pearson's correlation coefficient (R) between the stature and different handprint measurements was calculated. Consequently, the simple and multiple linear regression models were developed to estimate the stature from the handprint measurements.

RESULTS

The bilateral asymmetry was statistically not significant (p > 0.05) in right and left handprints. Sex difference significantly (p < 0.05) influences the relationship between stature and handprint measurements. A positive and strong coefficient of correlation (R) value presents between stature and the handprint measurements. The right 2nd digit length in men (R = + 0.709, R 2 = 0.502, SEE = ± 44.141 mm) and the right handprint length in women (R = + 0.552, R 2 = 0.305, SEE = ± 49.074 mm) were the most reliable estimator of stature. However, when data were combined for both sexes, the right handprint length was identified as the most reliable estimator of stature with higher values of R (+ 0.777) and R 2 (0.603), and a lower value of SEE (± 55.520). Multiple regression equation showed greater reliability than linear regression equations in stature estimation from handprint measurements in Bangladeshi population.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that the estimation of stature from handprint measurements is possible and reliable. The findings of this study are very useful from the forensic and medicolegal point of view and can use to estimate the stature in Bangladeshi population.

Stature estimation from foot anthropometric measurements in Bangladeshi population

BACKGROUND

Estimating human stature is a major concern to formulate a biological profile which provides effective data for forensic identification. This research was aimed to generate a formula for estimating stature from human foot anthropometry.

METHODS

This study was conducted in selected 150 male and 150 female subjects within the range of 18 to 60 years randomly. From each subject, stature and seven-foot measurements were taken by applying the standard technique. Stature was estimated from foot measurements by using linear and multiple regression equations.

RESULTS

The result showed that each foot measurement was significantly (p < 0.001) and positively correlated with stature. Bilateral difference among male and female was not significant (p < 0.05). Multiple regression models showed better accuracy in estimating stature than linear regression models.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it can be said that human stature can be successfully estimated by using foot measurements which can be applied in forensic investigation.

The development and status of forensic anthropology in India: A review of the literature and future directions

Forensic anthropology deals with the identification of human remains in a legal setting. The primary role of a forensic anthropologist is to evaluate human skeletal remains and ascertain the biological profile of the deceased. Forensic anthropologists thus use their expertise to assist medical examiners, as well as law enforcement agencies. Forensic anthropology was not recognised as a subject specialty of much significance in most parts of the world for a long time. However, now its status has changed, mostly in the USA and parts of Europe. The scope of the subject ranges from evaluation of human skeletal remains to the identification of the living. In the new millennium, the role of forensic anthropologists includes disaster victim identification, photographic superimposition, facial image reconstruction in CCTV footage, gait pattern analysis from video surveillance, ascertaining the age of an individual in absence of legal documents and paedo-pornographic materials. Despite its relevance in human identification, the development of forensic anthropology in India is not very encouraging. Only a few institutions in India include forensic anthropology as a part of the forensic science degree programme, and there are no certified courses in anthropology either. Likewise, there are limited employment opportunities for forensic anthropologists in medical institutes/organisations/universities. This comprehensive review focuses on the status and development of forensic anthropology in India and emphasises the need for its recognition as a specialty of significance. The article also throws light on the comparison of its status in the Indian context vis a vis developed nations.

BODY HEIGHT ESTIMATION BASED ON PERCUTANEOUS FOOT LENGTH AND BREADTH OF JAVANESE FEMALES

Body height estimation is one of important parameters used for establishing the individuality in cases of mutilated bodies or found body parts. It is not rare that in the cases of mutilation the police authority would only give the body parts or remaining skeletons of the victims. The aims of the study were to find body height estimation formula based on percutaneous of foot length and foot breadth in Javanese females at Surabaya Muhammadiyah University. The type of research design was cross-sectional observational study. Samples were Javanese females student at Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya , which was selected as the sample unit . The samples are in this study was Two-hundred and twenty-two people.The variabel independent of this research are foot length and foot breath, the variabel dependent is body height. Data were analyzed using normality test with Kolmogorov Smirnoff (a>0,05), Pearson correlation test (a<0,05) and linear regression test (a <0,05) to get body height estimation formula. The results of this study is, 1) A significant correlation between foot length and body height (r = 0,731), 2) A significant correlation between foot breadth and body height (r-0,323), 3) A significant correlation between foot length, foot breadth and body height (r=0,732), 4) The body height estimation formula based on foot length is 688,435 +3,745*foot length, 5) The body height estimation formula based on foot breadth is = 1273,002 + 2,942*foot breadth, and 6) The body height estimation formula based on foot length and foot breadth is 695,227 + 3,805*foot length – 0,229*foot breadth. As a conclusion of this study is the obtained estimation formula of body height based on foot length and foot breadth of Javanese females is 695,227 + 3,805*foot length – 0,229*foot breadth.

Stature estimation from the femur and tibia in Black South African sub-adults

Stature estimation can play a role in the positive identification of unknown individuals and as such it is routinely assessed during the examination of adult remains. Unfortunately, this is not a standard procedure when dealing with sub-adult remains due to the general lack of standard procedures for the estimation of sub-adult stature. The aim of this study was therefore to derive regression equations for the estimation of stature in black South African sub-adults. Fifty nine black South African sub-adult males and females, aged 10-17 years, voluntarily participated in the study by undergoing a full body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. Living stature was measured with a stadiometer and the maximum and diaphyseal lengths of the femur and tibia were measured from the MRI scans using the image processing software OsiriX. Pearson's correlation coefficients and linear least square regression analyses were used to assess the correlations between living stature and the measurements and to generate sub-adult stature estimation equations for males, females and a combined sex sample. Measurements of the femur, tibia and the combined measures thereof showed strong statistically significant positive correlations with living stature, while the obtained regression equations were characterized by low standard error of estimates. The strong correlations and low standard error of estimates are comparable to stature estimation models reported for Black South African adults and therefore these variables can be considered good estimators of sub-adult stature which will contribute valuable information to the biological profile of unidentified sub-adult skeletal remains.

Validity of Carrea's index in stature estimation among two racial populations in India

Background:

Stature is considered to be one of the “big fours” in forensic anthropology. Though Carrea's Index was published as early as 1920 it has not been validated in any other population apart from the Brazilians.

Aim:

The present study was conducted to validate Carrea's index in stature estimation in two different racial populations in India.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out in a sample of 100 persons comprising of 25 Aryan males, 25 Aryan females, 25 Dravidian males, and 25 Dravidian females in the age group of 18–30 years. The maximum and minimum stature of all individuals was estimated by Carrea's Index. The actual stature was measured by an anthropometer. The estimated stature was compared with the actual stature and percentage of success was calculated.

Results:

The Carrea's Index was found to be valid in predicting the stature of 80% Dravidian and 84% Aryan males, the difference being statistically insignificant (Fisher Exact test–0.16; P = 0.99). The stature of 76% of females in both Aryan and Dravidian races was successfully predicted by Carrea's index. Regression analysis showed that the minimum estimated height was more valid in estimating the stature of Aryan and Dravidian population.

Conclusion:

The validity to use Carrea's index in Aryan and Dravidian population was evaluated and found to be valid.

The foot in forensic human identification - a review

The identification of human remains is a process which can be attempted irrespective of the stage of decomposition in which the remains are found or the anatomical regions recovered. In recent years, the discovery of fragmented human remains has garnered significant attention from the national and international media, particularly the recovery of multiple lower limbs and feet from coastlines in North America. While cases such as these stimulate public curiosity, they present unique challenges to forensic practitioners in relation to the identification of the individual from whom the body part originated. There is a paucity of literature pertaining to the foot in forensic human identification and in particular, in relation to the assessment of the parameters represented by the biological profile. This article presents a review of the literature relating to the role of the foot in forensic human identification and highlights the areas in which greater research is required.

Estimation of stature from the width of static footprints-insight into an Indian model

BACKGROUND

Footprints give an estimate of the height of an individual using gender-dependent models derived for different population and ethnic groups. However, estimation of ethnicity, age and gender from a footprint may not always be possible in forensic case work.

OBJECTIVES

The present study is done to develop models for stature (height) estimation from the width of footprints in the Indian population that are independent of the age and gender of individuals.

METHODS

The present research was conducted on 100 young adults from different regions of India. Footprints were obtained from both feet using standard techniques. Stature, and metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) Width (distance across the widest part of the forefoot) and calcaneal (Calc) Width (distance across the widest section of the heel) were measured on 200 footprints. Regression models were derived for estimation of stature.

RESULTS

A positive correlation is observed between footprint measurements and stature. Regression models derived from the forefoot region give a more accurate estimate of stature than the heel region of the footprint. Multiple linear regression models gave more accurate estimates of stature than the single linear regression models.

CONCLUSIONS

Regression models derived in the study for Indian population may be valuable in establishing the stature of a footprint in practical scenario when the age and gender are unknown.

Evaluation of spheno-occipital synchondrosis: A review of literature and considerations from forensic anthropologic point of view

Cranial sutures and synchondrosis have long been studied by forensic scientists, human anatomists, and anthropologists for estimation of age in different population groups. Observation of the closure of spheno-occipital synchondrosis has an important role to play in the estimation of age in the examination of unknown human remains when a skull is brought for examination. The present article reviews the studies conducted on the closure of spheno-occipital synchondrosis and presents a few valuable considerations that would be essential for carrying out research related to closure of spheno-occipital synchondrosis in humans.

Estimation of stature using lower limb measurements in Sudanese Arabs

OBJECTIVES

The estimation of stature from body parts is one of the most vital parts of personal identification in medico-legal autopsies, especially when mutilated and amputated limbs or body parts are found. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and accuracy of using lower limb measurements for stature estimations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The stature, tibial length, bimalleolar breadth, foot length and foot breadth of 160 right-handed Sudanese Arab subjects, 80 men and 80 women (25-30 years old), were measured. The reliability of measurement acquisition was tested prior to the primary data collection. The data were analysed using basic univariate analysis and linear and multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

The results showed acceptable standards of measurement errors and reliability. Sex differences were significant for all of the measurements. There was a positive correlation coefficient between lower-limb dimensions and stature (P-value < 0.01). The best predictors were tibial length and foot length. The stature prediction accuracy ranged from ± 2.75-5.40 cm, which is comparable to the established skeletal standards for the lower limbs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides new forensic standards for stature estimation using the lower limb measurements of Sudanese Arabs.

Foot length is a functional parameter for assessment of height

Stature estimation is considered as an important parameter in the examination of unknown human remains and during the analysis of evidence in crime scene investigations. During mass disasters isolated foot can be found enclosed in the shoes while footprints may be recovered at the crime scenes. Foot length and footprint length can provide valuable estimates of stature. The present communication makes a few pertinent observations on a recently published article in 'The Foot' entitled 'Foot length-a functional parameter for assessment of height, The Foot 2012, 22(1):31-34' and presents an insight into the literature available on the subject which is likely to be of value to future researchers in the field of Forensic Podiatry. The foot length and the footprint length of individuals differ from each other and hence, the research observations made in a study on foot prints cannot be applied to foot dimensions.

Stature estimation from the lengths of the growing foot-a study on North Indian adolescents

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Stature estimation is considered as one of the basic parameters of the investigation process in unknown and commingled human remains in medico-legal case work. Race, age and sex are the other parameters which help in this process. Stature estimation is of the utmost importance as it completes the biological profile of a person along with the other three parameters of identification. The present research is intended to formulate standards for stature estimation from foot dimensions in adolescent males from North India and study the pattern of foot growth during the growing years.

METHODS

154 male adolescents from the Northern part of India were included in the study. Besides stature, five anthropometric measurements that included the length of the foot from each toe (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively) to pternion were measured on each foot. The data was analyzed statistically using Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation, linear and multiple regression analysis for estimation of stature and growth of foot during ages 13-18 years.

RESULTS

Correlation coefficients between stature and all the foot measurements were found to be highly significant and positively correlated. Linear regression models and multiple regression models (with age as a co-variable) were derived for estimation of stature from the different measurements of the foot. Multiple regression models (with age as a co-variable) estimate stature with greater accuracy than the regression models for 13-18 years age group.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows the growth pattern of feet in North Indian adolescents and indicates that anthropometric measurements of the foot and its segments are valuable in estimation of stature in growing individuals of that population.

Analysis of footprint and its parts for stature estimation in Indian population

BACKGROUND

Most often, forensic podiatrists are called upon in crime scene investigations where pedal evidence is encountered at the crime scenes. The main aim of the forensic podiatrist is such case is to contribute towards the establishment of the identity of the suspects on the basis of the evidence. One form of the pedal evidence is footprints that are often recovered at the crime scenes. Estimation of stature from footprints forms a major parameter of personal identification in forensic examinations.

OBJECTIVES

The main aim of the present study is to make stature estimation standards based on detailed analysis of length measurements of footprints in Indian population using statistical considerations.

METHODS

A sample of 100 young adults (50 males and 50 females) was included in the study conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. Footprints were obtained from both the feet of each subject. Besides stature, five length measurements i.e. T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were measured on both the footprints of each subject using international standards. Bilateral asymmetry in the measurements on footprints was calculated and tested using paired t-test. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between stature and various footprint length measurements and the stature was estimated using linear and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Our study observes a statistically significant sex difference (p<0.001) in the footprint length measurements between males and females in both right and left feet. A positive and strong correlation exists between various length measurements of the footprint and stature in both the sexes. Males show relatively higher values of correlation coefficients than females. Bilateral differences (right-left differences) were also observed in some of the footprint length measurements among males and females. Linear and multiple regression models are derived for estimation of stature from various footprint length measurements in males, females and for the pooled sample.

CONCLUSIONS

The footprints can provide a reliable estimate of stature in forensic investigations. Sex specific regression models give a more accurate estimate of stature than the pooled sample.