OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the digit length ratio (DLR) and male fertility in Ningxia.

METHODSUsing an electronic sliding caliper, we measured the lengths of the index finger (D2), middle finger (D3), ring finger (D4) and little finger (D5) of both the right and left hand of 136 infertile males in Ningxia, 45 of them with normal and the other 91 with abnormal semen, including 28 cases of oligozoospermia, 10 cases of obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 53 cases of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). We calculated the DLRs of D2:D3, D2:D4, D2:D5, D3:D4, D3:D5 and D4:D5 and compared them among different groups.

RESULTSThe mean values of FLR presented a pattern of D2:D3 < D2:D4 < D3:D4 < D2:D5 < D4:D5 in the infertile males. DLRs of D2:D3, D2:D4, D2:D5, D3:D5 and D4:D5 of the right hand were significantly higher in the abnormal than in the normal semen group (t = 2.56, 2.48, 3.57, 2.85, 2.53; P < 0.05); those of D2:D3, D2:D4, D2:D5 and D4:D5 of the right hand presented a pattern of NOA > oligozoospermia > OA > normal semen group, while that of D3:D5 presented a pattern of NOA > OA > oligozoospermia > normal semen group. The NOA group showed a significantly higher DLR of the right hand than the normal semen group in D2:D3, D2:D4, D3:D5 and D4:D5, the oligozoospermia group in D2:D4, D3:D5 and D4:D5, and the OA group in D2:D3 (P < 0.05). The D4:D5 DLR of the right hand was remarkably higher in the Han than in the Hui ethnic group (t = 2.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHigher DLRs of D2:D3, D2:D4, D2:D5, D3:D5 and D4:D5 of the right hand were associated with lower fertility in infertile males in Ningxia. And the D4:D5 FLRs of the right hand may be different between Hui and Han infertile men in Ningxia.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Fertility ; Fingers ; anatomy & histology ; Hand ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; epidemiology ; Male ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the second to the fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) and body mass index (BMI) in infertile men of the Han ethnic group in Ningxia.

METHODSUsing anthropometry, we calculated the mean ratio of 2D:4D and BMI of 197 infertile men and 148 normal healthy male controls, followed by analysis of their relationship.

RESULTSThe BMI was correlated positively with the 2D:4D ratio of the left hand in the infertile men (P < 0.05) and in the patients with a higher 2D:4D ratio of the left hand (P < 0.05), but negatively with the 2D:4D ratio of the righ/left (Dr-1) (left: P < 0.01; Dr-l: P < 0.05). The mean 2D: 4D ratio and BMI were both lower in the normal control than in the infertile men, with statistically significant differences in BMI (P < 0.05) and the 2D:4D ratio of the left hand (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThere is a correlation between the 2D:4D ratio and BMI in infertile men.

Body Mass Index ; Case-Control Studies ; Fingers ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnosis ; Male

BACKGROUND: Current examination methods to assess the anatomical variations of flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon in the little finger necessitate a strong external force applied by the examiner and cause false negatives. A new examination method was designed to detect the variations more accurately. METHODS: We examined the little fingers of 220 adult hands (110 subjects) by 2 methods: the expanded examination method advocated by Tan et al., and a new examination method. Variations of the FDS in the little finger were examined by both methods and categorized separately as having independent FDS function, FDS connection to the tendons of the ring finger or of the multiple adjacent fingers, and functional substitution of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) with or without tendinous connection to the ring or multiple adjacent fingers. By our new method, we could further divide the FDS connection or FDP substitution with connection to the ring finger into 2 subtypes: loose and close connections. Data were reported as case numbers and percent. Date on symmetry were statistically analyzed by matched case-control studies. RESULTS: Among 220 hands, 113 hands (51.4%) had independent FDS function by the new examination method, which was lower than the incidence (55.5%) detected with the existing expanded examination method. In the hands with connections between FDS tendons of the little and the ring fingers, 32 hands (14.5%) demonstrated loose and 37 (16.8%) close connections. Three hands (1.4%) had loose and 19 (8.6%) had close FDP substitution with tendinous connection to the ring finger. Among 110 hands without independent FDS function, variants of 42 hands (38.2%) were asymmetric. There was no statistical significance in symmetry of variations. CONCLUSIONS: This new examination method offers other assessment variations of FDS tendon in the little finger. We recommend using this test to assess the variations and function of the FDS of the little finger.
Adult ; *Anatomic Variation ; Female ; Fingers/*anatomy & histology/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Physical Examination/*methods ; Tendons/*anatomy & histology/physiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: Comprehensively analysis the correlation and the law of variation between the height of a person and the length of his/her handprint. METHODS: Collecting handprint samples of those people of different age and sex from different area all of our country, and adopt the regressive analysis method to study these samples. RESULTS: A sum of useful data and regressive equation were obtained. CONCLUSION The correlation between the height of a person and the length of his/her handprint is obviously, the approximate height of a person can be reckoned according to the length of his/her handprints.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Body Height ; Female ; Fingers/anatomy & histology* ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Hand/anatomy & histology* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Regression Analysis ; Sex Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the digit ratio of men who have sex with men (MSM), and the relationship between digit ratio and the partner types of MSM.

METHODSParticipants were required from Yunnan Rainbow Sky, a community organization that specialized in HIV testing, intervention and counseling services for MSM between December 2014 and April 2015. Inclusion criteria of MSM as the following: more than 18 years old; men who have had sex with men; HIV test was negative. Exclusion criteria were as this: those who couldn't attend the research due to disability. Eventually, there were 115 MSM participated in the research. According to the nationality, we adopted 1:1 matched case-control study, and we selected 115 men as control group. According to the partner number of MSM, the MSM were divided into two groups. One group was fixed partner and another was multi-partner. We used a questionnaire to collect the demographic characteristics, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviors during nearly 6 months, sexual orientation, the places where looked for sex partners, sex roles, drug use, preventive services etc. Then, the physical measurements were used to measure the length from second to the fifth finger in MSM group and control group. The results were expressed as nD. The chi-square test was used to compare the demographic differences between MSM group and the control group, and the T-test was used to compare the digit ratio between two groups.

RESULTSAmong 115 MSM, there were 26% (30/115) MSM who had a fixed partner, and there were 74% (85/115) MSM who had multi-partner. The mean values of digit ratio of MSM presented a trend as 2D:3D < 2D:4D < 3D:4D < 2D:5D < 4D:5D < 3D:5D. The right 2D:4D and 2D:5D of MSM were 0.957 7 ± 0.048 1 and 1.229 8 ± 0.083 4, and the mean value was significasntly higher than control group (0.941 4 ± 0.038 0 and 1.204 1 ± 0.069 5, t values were 2.84, 2.54 and P values were 0.005, 0.012). The right 2D:4D of the fixed partner group and multi-partner group among MSM were 0.962 2 ± 0.051 0 and 0.956 1 ± 0.047 3, respectively, and the mean values were significantly higher than control group (t values were 2.98, 2.83; P values were 0.027, 0.015).

CONCLUSIONThe proportion of multi-partner MSM was higher, so MSM at a high risk of being HIV infected. Right 2D:4D could be used as a biomarker of the MSM in Kunming, but couldn't reflect the features of MSM whether he has a fixed partner or has several partners.

Case-Control Studies ; China ; Fingers ; anatomy & histology ; HIV Infections ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Risk-Taking ; Sexual Partners ; Surveys and Questionnaires

PURPOSE: Anogential distance (AGD) and the 2:4 digit length ratio appear to provide a reliable guide to fetal androgen exposure. We intended to investigate the current status of penile size and the relationship between penile length and AGD or digit length according to birth weight in Korean newborn infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2013 and February 2014, among a total of 78 newborn male infants, 55 infants were prospectively included in this study. Newborn male infants with a gestational age of 38 to 42 weeks and birth weight>2.5 kg were assigned to the NW group (n=24) and those with a gestational age<38 weeks and birth weight<2.5 kg were assigned to the LW group (n=31). Penile size and other variables were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Stretched penile length of the NW group was 3.3+/-0.2 cm, which did not differ significantly from that reported in 1987. All parameters including height, weight, penile length, testicular size, AGD, and digit length were significantly lower in the LW group than in the NW group. However, there were no significant differences in AGD ratio or 2:4 digit length ratio between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The penile length of newborn infants has not changed over the last quarter century in Korea. With normal penile appearance, the AGD ratio and 2:4 digit length ratio are consistent irrespective of birth weight, whereas AGD, digit length, and penile length are significantly smaller in newborns with low birth weight.
Anthropometry ; *Birth Weight ; *Body Weights and Measures ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Fingers/*anatomy & histology ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Organ Size ; Penis/*anatomy & histology ; Republic of Korea

Brachydactyly type C (BDC) is characterized by shortening of the middle phalanges of the index, middle, and little fingers. Hyperphalangy of the index and middle finger and shortening of the first metacarpal can also be observed. BDC is a rare genetic condition associated with the GDF5 gene, and this condition has not been confirmed by genetic analysis so far in the Korean population. Herein, we present a case of a 6-yr-old girl diagnosed with BDC confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. The patient presented with shortening of the second and third digits of both hands. Sequence analysis of the GDF5 gene was performed and the pathogenic mutation, c.1312C>T (p.Arg438Cys), was identified. Interestingly, this mutation was previously described in a patient who presented with the absence of the middle phalanges in the second through fifth toes. However, our patient showed no involvement of the feet. Considering intrafamilial and interfamilial variability, molecular analysis of isolated brachydactyly is warranted to elucidate the genetic origin and establish a diagnosis.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics ; Brachydactyly/diagnosis/*genetics ; Child ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Fingers/anatomy & histology ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5/*genetics ; Humans ; Mutation ; Republic of Korea

AIMIt is our opinion that the CDC and the WHO have underestimated cross-contamination under examination gloves in dental clinics while wearing jewelry, such as finger rings. These agencies only "recommend" removing jewelry, and only washing hands for 15 seconds with soap and warm water before donning gloves. This study examined several washing procedures and finger rings using simulated microbes.

METHODOLOGYA gloved rubber hand manikin was made and fitted with a fresh disposable vinyl glove. Four fingers were fitted with rings or no ring, dusted with simulated microbes, and washed with a scrub brush for 5, 15, and 25 seconds under 20 degrees C and 40 degrees C water alone, or with liquid hand soap. Light levels (in lux) of fluorescent powder before and after washing were measured and delta scores calculated for changes in light levels, equivalent to effectiveness of hand washing procedures. A full-factorial, 3-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences among levels of the three study factors-time, temperature, and soap use. Tukey's post hoc honestly significant difference (HSD) test was applied to significant factors to examine pair-wise differences between factor levels.

RESULTSIt was found that the longer the hands with rings were washed with a scrub brush under flowing water, the more simulated microbes were removed. By 25 seconds, all methods were essentially the same. Simulated microbes were more difficult to remove from the palm compared to the back of the hand. The liquid hand soap used in this study was more effective with warm water than cold. When given a choice of washing with cold water up to 15 seconds, it would be preferable not to use soap to remove simulated microbes. Qualitatively, the outer surface of finger rings were more effectively cleaned than the crevice below the ring, and the ring with a stone setting appeared to accumulate and retain simulated microbes more than other rings.

CONCLUSIONThe most effective treatment was washing with warm water and liquid soap. Longer times were more effective. Rings should not be worn under examination gloves due to difficulty cleaning in the crevice under the ring, and the well-known consequences of cross-contamination between the patient and the health care worker.

Colony Count, Microbial ; Fingers ; microbiology ; Fluorescent Dyes ; Hand ; anatomy & histology ; microbiology ; Hand Disinfection ; methods ; Humans ; Jewelry ; microbiology ; Manikins ; Soaps ; therapeutic use ; Temperature ; Time Factors ; Water