Digital dermatoglyphics of Bulgarians from northeast Bulgaria

Abstract

Digital dermatoglyphics were collected from 1,065 male and 1,065 female Bulgarians from northeast Bulgaria. None of the subjects had a diagnosed or suspected genetic or chronic disease of any kind. The fingerprints were classified by the 18-type system of Monique de Lestrange, modified to provide rapid and easy comparison with simpler classification systems. All the standard finger pattern indices were calculated. Certain modifications were introduced into the delta indices, it being borne in mind that each tented arch possesses a triradius and each complex (three-centered, accidental) whorl contains three triradii. A deltadiagram was constructed and its configuration was compared with those of some other populations. In addition, a new radioulnar index was proposed, representing a ratio between all the radial and all the ulnar patterns. The total, absolute, ulnar and radial finger ridge counts were calculated and their sample distributions were investigated. The dermatoglyphic features were evaluated and presented for each sex and each hand separately in order to investigate both the sex and bilateral differences. The set of data presented in this paper is a component of the physical anthropology of the general Bulgarian population. At the same time these data can be used as controls when analyzing the dermatoglyphic findings in Bulgarian patients with genetic diseases or congenital malformations.

Asymmetry and intraindividual diversity in digital dermatoglyphics of Bulgarians

“…The greater part of the sample was the same as previously described (Karev, 1986). However, because of the incompleteness of certain questionnaire data for some persons investigated, a part of the collection was replaced with newly collected prints taken from a corresponding number of students of the same age, originating from the same geographical areas.…”

Fingerprint identification on a bog body (650 BC)

“…also Cummins and Steggerda 1935;Dennis and Sunderland 1979;Holt 1968;Karev 1986;Mull 1983;Wertelecki et al 1979). In approximately 13% of cases, an ulnar loop can be found on all 10 fingers of a person of European origin, occurring in as many as about 25% of these cases as a "right loop" on all the fingers of the right hand and thus constituting the most frequent pattern combination on the right hand in Europe.…”

Hypothenar radial arch in man: Observations on its distribution, morphology, symmetry, and inheritance

“…The sampling methods, ethnohistorical background of the population, and geographical distribution of the sample were previously described in a paper concerning the finger dermatoglyphics of the population (Karev, 1986).…”

“…The sample comprised 2,130 unrelated persons, 1,065 of each sex, with no manifested or suspected genetic or chronic disease of any kind. The sampling methods, ethnohistorical background of the population, and geographical distribution of the sample were previously described in a paper concerning the finger dermatoglyphics of the population (Karev, 1986).…”