2016, Vol.29, No.3

Anatomy & Biological Anthropology 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.33

pISSN : 2671-5651 / eISSN : 2671-566X
https://journal.kci.go.kr/aba

Trotter and Gleser’s (1958) Asian equations have most frequently been used for stature estimation of Korean skeletal remains. However, limitations or caveats in using those equations have rarely been argued. This study reviews five issues frequently overlooked in applying the equations and interpreting the outcomes. First, Trotter and Gleser (1958) multiply the standard errors by 2 to obtain the 95% prediction interval (PI). However, there is discrepancy between their calculation and actual PIs, and thus correct method for PI calculation is recommended. Secondly, given the uncertainty about the tibia length measurement, there is a possibility that the tibia-related equations yield biased estimates. Thirdly, since a mathematical error was incorporated in the development process of the combined equations, caution should be taken. Fourthly, extrapolation may cause additional unexpected error in applying regression equations. Therefore, it is necessary to check if a target sample falls within the reference sample range prior to using the equations. Lastly, applying Trotter and Gleser’s (1958) equations to female samples should be avoided because they produce highly biased estimates. The issues discussed in this study will contribute to reducing potential errors associated with application of these equations, and eventually enhancing accuracy of the final stature estimates. If errors are anticipated but unavoidable, discussions about the potential errors should be made to minimize misunderstanding about the outcomes.

Oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (OCA2) is an autosomal recessive disorder that results from mutations in the P gene, and has approximately 70% function of melanin biosynthesis in the melanocytes. While the overwhelming majority of pigmentation studies have focused on European populations, very little is known about the gene and mechanisms affecting skin lightening in Asian population. The main goal of the study was to test the distribution of three polymorphisms located in a pigmentation candidate gene, OCA2, in a sample of individuals of Koreans (N=250). The genetic markers were selected for polymorphisms that had an allele frequency difference of at least 30% between East Asian populations and European populations. We investigated Minor Allele Frequencies (MAFs) for each of three polymorphisms within OCA2 and reevaluated the difference of the allele frequency along with populations. MAFs of polymorphisms of OCA2 were presented the different frequency in Korean samples (SNP rs1800414 (His615Arg), A allele=38.8%, rs74653330 (Ala481Thr), A allele=0.8% and rs7497270 (intronic polymorphism), C allele=33.4%). While our results had different distributions to European and Caucasians, they showed similar frequencies with East Asian. This study was to reevaluate the distribution of pigmentation candidate gene in Korean samples, further domestic study will aid in developments of the genetic information on worldwide study.

Clinodactyly, as rare congenital malformation, refers to a curvature of a digit in a radial or ulnar direction in the coronal plane. The abnormality is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. And its frequency was low, however, it was higher by accompanying other congenital anomaly. In present study, the frequency and genetic characteristics of clinodactyly were investigated. In 100 family (382 peoples), clinodactyly was found in 4.7% (n=18). All clinodactyly were bilateral and it was more frequent in female (6.8%) than male (2.6%), without statistical difference (p=0.056). Its inheritance was autosomal dominant trait in 80% (4/5) families, however, one family did not have any inheritance pattern. We described the frequency and clinical implication of clinodactyly, and this description will be lead to an improved understanding of its spectrum and inheritance.