Gender identification from thumbprint ridge thickness among Hausa population of Nigeria using likelihood ratio and posterior probability density

The objectives of the present study were to identify gender from  thumbprints ridge thickness using likelihood ratio and posterior probability density as well as to determine which of the three areas of thumb has more potential in sex determination. Ridge thickness for 97 male and 97 female subjects within the age range of 18-25 years were examined within the 25 mm2 areas of the ulnar, radial and proximal parts of the thumb making up 1164 areas of the thumbprints. Female subjects exhibited finer ridge count compared to males in ulnar area of both sides of the thumbs. In the radial area, females were found to have finer ridge counts as in ulnar side, but with some coarse ridge. For the right proximal ridge thickness, a similar  trend to that in the radial area was noticed, however, in the left thumbprint, males tend to have finer ridge counts compared to females. It was noticed that chance of sex inference from likelihood ratio decreased in the following order: proximal ridge thickness < radial ridge thickness < ulnar ridge  thickness as ridge thickness decreases in favor of females but left proximal ridge thickness showed increased in likelihood ratio as ridge thickness decreased in favor of males. Ridge thickness in ulnar area showed more discrimination power compared to the other two areas studied. Considering equal probability for each sex, likelihood ratio reveals the applicability of ridge thickness in sex inference among Hausa population.Keywords: Forensic sciences, likelihood ratio, Hausa population, ridge thickness, sex inference

Sexual dimorphism in visceral adiposity measures, parameters and biomarkers of metabolic syndrome among Hausa ethnic group in Kano, Nigeria

Visceral adipose tissue is considered the most important anatomic site of adipose tissue aggregation and is considered the hall mark of metabolic syndrome (MetS) phenotype. The aim of the study was to determine sexual dimorphism in visceral adiposity measures, parameters and biomarkers of metabolic syndrome among Hausa ethnic group in Kano, Nigeria. The study was a cross sectional study including 465 participants of Kano, with a mean age of 34.4 years and 32.0 years for males and females respectively. Systematic random sampling technique was employed for subject recruitment. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index BMI were obtained using standard protocol. Overnight fasting blood sample was obtained for high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), uric acid and adiponectin estimation using standard laboratory protocols. Visceral adipose tissue was estimated using visceral adiposity index (VAI) and WC. It was observed that VAI, FBG, HDL and TC were significantly higher in females. There was no significant sex difference in WC, TG, and LDL, Serum adiponectin, uric acid, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, the serum uric acid and adiponectin levels did not show sexual dimorphism. Only some of the MetS parameters are sexually dimorphic. While VAI was higher in females, WC did not show sexual dimorphism.Keywords: Biomarkers, metabolic syndrome indices, sexual dimorphism, visceral adiposit

Relationships of Anthropometric Indices of Centripetal Adiposity With Essential Hypertension and Type - 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kano Metropolis

The use of centripetal indices of adiposity for cardiovascular risk prediction is gaining popularity over body mass index (BMI). This study seeks to investigate the relationships of centripetal adiposity indices with essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus and find sexual  dimorphism in such relationship in Kano. It also investigates the correlation between centripetal adiposity indices and BMI. The study included 405 registered hypertensive, diabetic or  hypertensive – diabetic subjects (215 females and 190 males) with mean age of 53.4±0.36. The adiposity indices [BMI, waist circumference (WC) hip circumference (HC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR)] were obtained using standard protocol.  Chi-square and Pearson correlation were used to test for the relationship as described. The results showed that WC was not significantly associated (p>0.05) with essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus in females, but was significant in males (P = 0.04). In both sexes, WHR was significantly associated with essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, a stronger relationship was observed in males (P < 0.0001). Where both WC and WHR correlated positively with essential  hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus in males, the  relationship was stronger for WHR (P < 0.0001) compared to WC (P = 0.04). In conclusion, WHR in both sexes had significant association with essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus while WC in males correlated strongly with BMI compared to WHR.Keywords: Centripetal adiposity, essential hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, Sexual  dimorphism

Evaluation of the influence of maternal parity on neonatal anthropometric parameters among Hausas in Kano state

Maternal Parity has been shown to increase the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), prematurity, and mortality. The study was designed to evaluate the influence of maternal parity on neonatal anthropometric parameters among Hausas in Kano. Five hundred and twenty one subjects (mothers and babies) participated in the study. Questionnaire was used to collect the biodata, parity and other anthropometric variables (birth weight, birth length, head circumference, chest circumference, thigh circumference, mid upper arm circumference, hand length, hand breadth, foot length, foot breadth).The anthropometric variables were measured using standard procedures.One way ANOVA was used to determine the differences in neonatal variables across different categories of parity. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 20 statistical software was used for data analyses. The result shows that the mothers within the 1st category of parity give birth to babies with lower birth weight and smaller thigh circumference when compared with 2nd, 3rd and 4th. However, in birth length, head circumference and chest circumference of the neonate the differences (p < 0.001) were observed only between 1st and 2nd category of parity. Moreover, the mid upper arm circumference has similar pattern with addition to 3rd categories. In conclusion, the parity of the mother was found to influence the neonatal  anthropometric variables.Keywords: Maternal Parity, Neonatal Anthropometry, Hausa

Age specific sex differences in BMI and skin fold thickness among children of Kazaure Emirate, Nigeria

An important phenomenon occurring in human population is the variation in their physical morphology. The physical dimensions of human body are influenced by geographical, racial, age and gender factors. Physical anthropometry provides the technique by which human body dimensions can be evaluated and measured. The aim of the study was to determine age specific sex differences in height, weight, BMI and skin fold thickness among children aged 5- 12 years from Kazaure emirate, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to investigate sexual dimorphism in the measured variables. A total of 1212 primary school pupils aged 5-12 years (659 males and 553 females) were involved. All the anthropometric variables were taken using standard protocols. An independent t-test was used to determine gender differences using SPSS version 20.0and P ≤ 0.05 considered a level of significance. The results showed a significant gender difference in height and weight at age of 8 years (P = 0.009) and (P< 0.001), respectively. For bicep skin fold thickness (BSF), the gender difference was observed at 7 to 12years of age with (P< 0.001). Similar pattern in triceps TSF) and suprailiac (SISF), showed significant difference at age six (P< 0.001) and (P =0.01), respectively. All ages showed differences in subscapular skin fold thickness (SSF)(P< 0.001). In the SSF, female had higher mean value while for height and weight the reverse trend was the case. In conclusion, the gender differences in SSF may be linked with higher adipose tissue in female than in the male counterparts in childhood.Keywords: Anthropometry, BMI, Skin fold thickness, age, sex, Nigeri

Diabetic Extremities in Kaduna

A 5-year retrospective review of 35 patients, suffering from diabetes mellitus with complication of the disease affecting the hands and feet is made between November 1994 and October 1999. The age range was 35-70 years with mean age of 48.5 years. M:F ratio was 2:1. The mean blood sugar at presentation was 12.9 mmol/L. There were 4 diabetic hands and 31 diabetic feet. There were 17 amputations, 12 serial wound dressing and 6 debridments. Mean duration of hospitalisation was 47.3 days. Early presentation and aggressive surgical approach to these patients is recommended (Nig J Surg Res 2000; 2:57-61) KEY WORDS: Diabetes, Extremitie

Adiposity measures in metabolic syndrome among Hausas in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Summary: Ethnic variations exist in the relationship of adiposity indices with metabolic syndrome (MetS). There are however, limited studies on the usefulness of body adiposity index (BAI) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) among Hausas of Kano, Northern Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of measures of adiposity to the components of MetS in Hausas of Kano. The study included 465 (266 males and 199 females) subjects, with mean age of 34.4 years and 32.0 years for males and females respectively. Anthropometric measures were obtained using standard protocols. Visceral adiposity was estimated using sex specific VAI. Fasting blood sample was obtained for serum analyses of lipid profiles, glucose, protein and uric acid. Pearson’s correlation was used to test the association between adiposity measures with MetS indices while Student’s t test was used for group comparison. The results of the study showed that the adiposity indices significantly correlate with metabolic syndrome indices. Visceral adiposity index was superior to other adiposity measures and Waist to hip ratio was the strongest anthropometric correlate of MetS components. In conclusion, WHR is the strongest anthropometric correlate of MetS components. Body adiposity index, NC and HC are weaker adiposity tools. Visceral adiposity index is superior to all other adiposity tools.Keywords: Adiposity measures, metabolic syndrome, metabolic syndrome biomarkers, Hausas, Northern Nigeri