Dermatoglyphic traits in Thai schizophrenia patients: a matching case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare fingerprint patterns, means of dermatoglyphic variables i.e., total finger ridge count, total a-b ridge count, pattern complexity index, and fingerprint pattern asymmetry between patients with schizophrenia and normal controls. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional, matching case-control was conducted. Thirty-four males and 34 females with schizophrenia and an equal number of age and sex matched normal controls were selected. Fingerprints and partial palm prints of all of the subjects were obtained using the Automated Inkless Fingerprint Imaging Software and the transparent-adhesive tape technique, respectively. Using paired t-tests (p < 0.05), the cases and controls, males and females separately, were compared for fingerprint pattern asymmetry, total finger ridge counts (TFRC), a-b ridge counts of the right (RABRC), left (LABRC), and both hands (TABRC), and pattern complexity index (PCI). RESULTS: Between cases and controls, neither sex had any significant differences in the mean scores for the pattern asymmetries, TFRC, right-left-ABRC and TABRC. However, the mean scores for PCI were significantly different between the male cases and controls (2.82 vs. 4.94, p = 0 009). CONCLUSION: Only male patients exhibited average scores for complex patterns (whorls minus arches less than 2), which might be a biomarker for screening of schizophrenia in males.

Perspective automated inkless fingerprinting imaging software for fingerprint research.

Fingerprint collection using ink-and-paper image is a conventional method i.e. an ink-print, transparent-adhesive tape techniques which are slower and cumbersome. This is a pilot research for software development aimed at imaging an automated, inkless fingerprint using a fingerprint sensor, a development kit of the IT WORKS Company Limited, PC camera, and printer The development of software was performed to connect with the fingerprint sensor for collection of fingerprint images and recorded into a hard disk. It was also developed to connect with the PC camera for recording a face image of persons' fingerprints or identification card images. These images had been appropriately arranged in a PDF file prior to printing. This software is able to scan ten fingerprints and store high-quality electronics fingertip images with rapid, large, and clear images without dirt of ink or carbon. This fingerprint technology is helpful in a potential application in public health and clinical medicine research.