Rohin Garg

Modifications on Dorsum of Neck of Talus (Squatting Facets and Trochlear Extensions) in Indians

Objective: Habitual squatting in humans is associated with modifications of ankle especially the neck of the talus (squatting facets) and its trochlear surface (trochlear extensions) that characterize the strong pressure and traction forces on ankle joints in state of hyperdorsiflexion. Present study was done to find out variations and incidences of various types of modifications of neck of talus thoroughly and to determine regional peculiarities of these modifications in Indians. Material and Methods: 300 dry (150 right and 150 left) adult tali were taken for present study. Each talus was examined for the presence of various patterns of articular facets on neck of talus and extensions of its trochlear surface. Statistical analysis of data was performed by using Fisher exact test with 95% confidence limits. Results: Lateral squatting facet was found in 136 tali (45.3%). Incidences of medial, combined & continuous gutter like squatting facets were 7.7%, 3.3% & 4.3% respectively. Lateral and medial extensions of trochlear surface were found in 22.3% and 23.7% respectively. Conclusions: Modifications of the neck of talus (squatting facets and trochlear extensions) are result of prolonged squatting positions which is common habit of Indian population and incidences of these variations can be used as an anthropological marker for racial and regional diff erentiation of unidentified bones.

Assessment of fetal gestational age in different trimesters from ultrasonographic measurements of various fetal biometric parameters

Introduction: Fetal biometry is a methodology devoted to measuring several parts of fetal anatomy and their growth. Aim: The present study was carried out to assess gestational age in the second and third trimesters with the help of ultrasonographic measurements of four fetal biometric parameters (i.e., biparietal diameter [BPD], head circumference [HC], abdominal circumference [AC], and femur length [FL]) in the local population (Jaipur Zone) of Rajasthan, and also to evaluate efficacy and significance of these four fetal biometric parameters in the prediction of gestational age by ultrasound. Materials and methods: Three hundred and thirty cases of normal pregnant females were studied (165 - second trimester [13–28 weeks] and 165 - third trimester [29–40 weeks]) with the known last menstrual period (LMP) and studied once during gestation. Results: Biparietal diameter and head circumference were found to be equally best predictors of gestational age and to determine the expected date of delivery (EDD) in the second trimester and BPD and FL in the third trimester. Abdominal circumference was the least accurate parameter in both trimesters. Variability in predicting gestational age (using all four parameters) was ±2 weeks in the second trimester and +2 to −4 weeks in the third trimester. The accuracy decreased and variability increased as the pregnancy advanced from the second to third trimester. Mean measurements of fetal biometric parameters were found lower than Western monograms in each week of both trimesters. Conclusions: Variation in predicted gestational age by ultrasonography (USG) is attributed to the anthropometric difference between the two populations due to racial, genetic, nutritional, and socioeconomic factors. Therefore, population-specific measurements should be made to generate tables and regression equations for more precise reporting of gestational age and EDD by USG.

I am the Best-Am I?

1. Hassold T, Hall H, Hunt P. The origin of human aneuploidy: Where we have been,where we are going. Hum Mol Genet. 2007;16(2):203–208. 2. Vogt E, Kirsch-Volders M, Parry J, Eichenlaub-Ritter U. Spindle formation, chromosome segregation and the spindle Available literature of review confirms, Chromosome Segregation Errors (CSE)as the prime cause of pregnancy loss in aging females.1 Amongst other well known potential causes of pregnancy loss in advanced age (35 yr onwards) Bub1(budding uninhibited by benzimidazole), is proved to be the leading cause. Most common chromosomal segregation error is aneuploidy, during Oogenesis2 in advancing maternal age.3 Disturbed functioning of (Spindle Assembly Checkpoint) SAC leads to aneuploidy.4 The SAC restricts the abnormal drifting of sister chromatids and maintains accurate chromosomal segregation.5 Bub1 is the very important constituent of the (SAC). The (Bub1) is required for the efficient kinetochore localization. Depletion or absence of Bub1 leads to loss of chromatid cohesion.6,7