DENTAL CAVITIES IN PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: AN ANALYSIS OF RISK INDICATORS.

Diabetes is associated with a greater number of dental cavities. It is unclear, therefore, how potential risk factors such as salivary glucose, glycemic control and blood sugar could impact the onset of dental caries between people that have type 2 diabetes (T2D). Aim of the study - analyzing the risk factors for oral cavity disease in T2D patients. We analyzed the patient data including their dietary habits, dental hygiene practices, age and control of glycemic. The Indian dataset was used. Individual patient observations include the patient's diabetes classification as a range of medical attributes such as age, pregnancy, pedigree, glucose, body mass index, skin, blood pressure and insulin. The research discovered a significant correlation between poorly managed glycemic levels and dental caries are more prevalent in people with T2DM. High sugar consumption and poor oral hygiene habits have been identified as risk factors. These results highlight the need for integrating diabetes treatment measures with dental care to reduce dental caries in this susceptible group. Utilizing dental cavities into account improves oral health and has a positive impact on health outcomes for those with type 2 diabetes.

Climate risk insurance in Pacific Small Island Developing States: possibilities, challenges and vulnerabilities-a comprehensive review.

For the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), climate change will greatly exacerbate their vulnerability. The PSIDS have a high ranking in the Climate Risk Index and the World Risk Index. Financial losses due to climate-induced disasters, in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), are also high in the Pacific region. While climate risk insurance solutions could play a key role in the efficient distribution of recovery resources, there are many challenges to their successful implementation. Effective climate risk insurance products for the vulnerable sections of these societies are almost non-existent in this part of the world. Among the worst climate-induced disasters to affect the PSIDS are those related to cyclones and floods. These not only adversely impact the welfare of the households affected by these disasters, but they lower the long-term development potential of the countries involved. There is also evidence to suggest that climate-induced disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity over time due to climate change. It is against this background that an inquiry into the necessity for climate risk insurance products in the context of PSIDS should take place. This paper gives a comprehensive review of the literature addressing climate risk insurance as a risk mitigation or climate adaptation tool for managing the climate-induced financial vulnerabilities in the PSIDS. The paper explores the affordability of climate risk insurance, particularly among the vulnerable sections of society, and discusses the challenges of implementing an appropriate climate risk insurance model in the region. Finally, it examines recent climate risk insurance initiatives that have been attempted by multilateral agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations' Pacific Financial Inclusion Practice (UNCDF), Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP), and respective local governments.

Decellularized xenogenic bone graft for repair of segmental bone defect in rabbits.

Background: Bone grafting is a preferred treatment option for the healing of large diaphyseal bone defects and is useful in the management of nonunion, delayed union, and tumor resection. Aims: To investigate a decellularization protocol of bovine cancellous bone for xenogenic implantation in radial bone defects in rabbits. Methods: Bovine bone scaffolds fabricated with various decellularization protocols viz phosphate buffer saline (PBS), 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and rapid freeze and thaw technique. The manufactured scaffolds were characterized by biomechanical testing, histological staining, and scanning electron microscopy. A 10 mm rabbit radius bone defect was repaired with autograft and SDS treated and rapid freeze and thaw in groups A, B, and C respectively. Healing was evaluated by radiography and histopathology at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days. The grafts were also checked for host tissue reaction and incorporation into the defect. Results: The freeze and thaw group showed complete elimination of all cellular nuclei, regular arrangement of collagen fiber, and no significant difference in tensile strength compared to 1% SDS treated and native groups. The in vivo radiographic and histopathological study showed that the rapid freeze and thaw group had complete bridging of the bone gap defect with new bone formation and they were immunologically less reactive compared to group B. Conclusion: The in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the grafts suggested that freeze and thaw technique was most superior to all other techniques for effective decellularization and augmentation of bone healing with better integration of the graft into the host.

Can We Avoid Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) in Patients with 1-2 Positive Sentinel/Low Axillary Lymph Nodes (SLN/LAS+) in the Indian Setting?

The ACOSOG Z0011 study, heralded as a "practice changing" trial, suggested that women with T1-2 breast cancer with 1-2 SLN+, undergoing breast conservation therapy, need not be offered further ALND. However, whether these results are applicable to all women in the Indian setting, it remains debatable. A retrospective audit of all cN0 operated from 2013 to 2018 was conducted. We analyzed the percentage of additional LN positive (LN+) in the ALND group and compared it to the ACOZOG Z11 trial. Of the 2350 cN0 with EBC who underwent LAS, 687 (29%) had positive lymph nodes on final histopathology. Five hundred ninety-seven (86.9%) patients had 1-2 LN+, 40 (5.8%) patients had 3 LN+, and 50 (7.3%) had 4 or more nodes positive. Demographic features in the ACOSOG Z11 are different from those in our study, looking at ACOZOG Z11 versus our cohort-median pT 1.7 cm versus 3 cm, 45% micrometastasis versus 99.16% macrometastasis, and 28-30% grade 3 tumors versus 73.7%. In our cohort 31.82% of the 1-2 LN positive had additional LN+ on ALND. Keeping in mind the difference in clinicopathological features between our cohort and that of ACOZOG Z0011 and that 31.82% of women had additional LN+ on ALND, it may not be appropriate to apply the results of the ACOSOG Z0011 trial directly to our general population. Possibly, only a select subset of patients who match the trial population of the ACOSOG Z11 could be offered observation of the axilla and validated nomograms can be used to identify high-risk patients.

Diagnostic utility of ultrasonography and computerized tomography in gall bladder perforation: A case report.

Gall bladder (GB) perforation can be misdiagnosed as any other more common cause of acute abdomen. We present a case of a 72-year-female who had presented to the emergency department with an acute abdomen. The clinical presentation and the biochemical markers had pointed towards acute pancreatitis. However, the ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen and the pelvis suggested GB perforation which was confirmed by the multislice computerized tomography scan. Following this the patient underwent open cholecystectomy and was successfully managed. The invaluable contributions from the radiological modalities led to the successful management of the patient.

An Audit for Radiotherapy Planning and Treatment Errors From a Low-Middle-Income Country Centre.

AIMS: To report the findings of an audit for radiotherapy errors from a low-middle-income country (LMICs) centre. This would serve as baseline data for radiotherapy error rates, their severity and causes, in such centres where modern error reporting and learning processes still do not exist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A planned cross-sectional weekly audit of electronic radiotherapy charts at the radiotherapy planning and delivery step for all patients treated with curative intent was conducted. Detailed analysis was carried out to determine the step of origin of error, time and contributing factors. They were graded as per indigenous institutional (TMC) radiotherapy error grading (TREG) system and the contributing factors identified were prioritised using the product of frequency, severity and ease of detection. RESULTS: In total, 1005 consecutive radically treated patients' charts were audited, 67 radiotherapy errors affecting 60 patients, including 42 incidents and 25 near-misses were identified. Transcriptional errors (29%) were the most common type. Most errors occurred at the time of treatment planning (59.7%), with "plan information transfer to the radiation oncology information system" being the most frequently affected sub-step of the radiotherapy process (47.8%). More errors were noted at cobalt units (52/67; 77.6%) than at linear accelerators. Trend analysis showed an increased number of radiotherapy incidents on Fridays and near-misses on Mondays. Trend for increased radiotherapy errors noted in the evening over other shifts. On severity grading, most of the errors (54/60; 90%) were clinically insignificant (grade I/II). Inadequacies and non-adherence towards standard operating procedures, poor documentation and lack of continuing education were the three most prominent causes. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggest a vulnerability of LMIC set-up to radiotherapy errors and emphasises the need for the development of longitudinal prospective processes, such as voluntary reporting and a continued education system, to ensure robust and comprehensive safe practises on par with centres in developed countries.

Characterization of a novel seed protein of Prosopis cineraria showing antifungal activity.

An antifungal protein with a molecular mass of 38.6 kDa was isolated from the seed of Prosopis cineraria. The protein was purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The antifungal activity of purified protein was retained up to 50 °C for 10 min. The MALDI TOF mass spectroscopy revealed 15 assorted peptides. The molecular weight of the antifungal protein is different from antifungal proteins reported in seeds of other leguminous plants. The purified protein exerted antifungal activity against post-harvest fruit fungal pathogens Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Aspergillus fumigatus, isolated from the rotten fruits. The antifungal properties of this novel antifungal protein can be potentially exploited to manage post-harvest fungal disease of fruits through alternative means to reduce use of hazardous chemicals.

Rapid Analysis of Outcomes Using the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) Dataset.

We audited the accuracy of the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy dataset as a resource for rapid analysis of outcomes for patients, in this example, receiving Cancer Drug Fund funded monoclonal antibodies to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. We concluded that the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy dataset is a potentially valuable resource for rapidly determining survival outcome for patients treated with chemotherapy.

Retrospective analysis of the incidence of epidural haematoma in patients with epidural catheters and abnormal coagulation parameters.

BACKGROUND: Epidural haematoma is a rare but potentially catastrophic complication associated with epidural catheterization. The times of insertion and removal of epidural catheters are high-risk periods for epidural haematoma formation, especially with abnormal coagulation parameters. There is a lack of data on the incidence of epidural haematoma in patients with abnormal coagulation parameters. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken from 2002 to 2009 on patients with an epidural catheter. Queries were performed on the coagulation parameters for the dates of placement and removal of the catheters and on all documented epidural haematoma cases. RESULTS: During the study period, 11 600 epidural catheters were placed. In the setting of abnormal coagulation parameters, 278 (2.4%) epidural catheters were placed and 351 (3%) were removed. Two epidural haematomas occurred; both patients had epidural catheters and spinal drains placed for vascular procedures with abnormal coagulation parameters after operatation. The haematomas occurred after removal of the catheters. Based on our study, the incidence of epidural haematoma in patients with abnormal coagulation parameters is 1 in 315 patients, with the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval at 87 and the upper limit at 2597. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of epidural haematoma is clearly elevated with abnormal coagulation parameters. Our data suggest that as the incidence of epidural haematoma with neuraxial access in patients with abnormal coagulation is not 100%, individual risk-benefit evaluations are warranted.

Association of milk components with intra-mammary inflammation in Jaffrabadi buffaloes.

AIM: To study the alteration of major milk components such as milk fat, protein, lactose, solid not fat (SNF) and total solids (TS) and their association with different degree of intra-mammary inflammation (IMI) in Jaffrabadi buffaloes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Milk samples (n=1516) were collected from Jaffrabadi buffaloes separately from each quarter. Milk samples were analyzed for milk fat, protein, lactose, SNF and TS percent on the same day using milk analyzer "LACTOSCAN." Milk samples were checked for IMI by California mastitis test (CMT), and the results were expressed as negative (0), +, ++, and +++ CMT score. The traits of milk components which showed significant difference (p<0.05) between samples from inflamed and non-inflamed quarters were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to see the accuracy and degree of association with IMI. RESULTS: Among several milk components, milk protein and lactose percent showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between milk samples from normal and inflamed quarters. Though, during the early stage of mammary gland inflammation milk protein percent remained significantly high (p<0.05), later with an increase in the degree of severity of inflammation it did not show any difference. Milk samples from normal udder quarters had significantly higher lactose percent than inflamed quarters (p<0.05). Milk lactose percent decreased gradually with an increase in the degree of severity of inflammation. ROC analysis revealed that milk samples having lactose content below the threshold values had significantly higher chances to come from inflamed udder quarters (p<0.05). Though, the value of the area under curve (AUC) indicated that milk lactose was significantly associated with IMI (p<0.05), the accuracy was moderate (AUC=0.71-0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicated that milk lactose percent gradually and significantly reduced during IMI and can be used as a marker for identification of IMI in buffaloes. However, ROC analysis further confirmed that using milk lactose IMI can be identified with moderate accuracy.

Latexin sensitizes leukemogenic cells to gamma-irradiation-induced cell-cycle arrest and cell death through Rps3 pathway.

Leukemia is a leading cause of cancer death. Recently, the latexin (Lxn) gene was identified as a potential tumor suppressor in several types of solid tumors and lymphoma, and Lxn expression was found to be absent or downregulated in leukemic cells. Whether Lxn functions as a tumor suppressor in leukemia and what molecular and cellular mechanisms are involved are unknown. In this study, the myeloid leukemogenic FDC-P1 cell line was used as a model system and Lxn was ectopically expressed in these cells. Using the protein pull-down assay and mass spectrometry, ribosomal protein subunit 3 (Rps3) was identified as a novel Lxn binding protein. Ectopic expression of Lxn inhibited FDC-P1 growth in vitro. More surprisingly, Lxn enhanced gamma irradiation-induced DNA damages and induced cell-cycle arrest and massive necrosis, leading to depletion of FDC-P1 cells. Mechanistically, Lxn inhibited the nuclear translocation of Rps3 upon radiation, resulting in abnormal mitotic spindle formation and chromosome instability. Rps3 knockdown increased the radiation sensitivity of FDC-P1, confirming that the mechanism of action of Lxn is mediated by Rps3 pathway. Moreover, Lxn enhanced the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agent, VP-16, on FDC-P1 cells. Our study suggests that Lxn itself not only suppresses leukemic cell growth but also potentiates the cytotoxic effect of radio- and chemotherapy on cancer cells. Lxn could be a novel molecular target that improves the efficacy of anti-cancer therapy.

IKKß regulates endothelial thrombomodulin in a Klf2-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial thrombomodulin (TM) is critically involved in anticoagulation, anti-inflammation, cytoprotection and normal fetal development. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) suppresses TM expression. OBJECTIVE: TNFα has been shown to down-regulate TM partly via activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). However, because the TM promoter lacks an NF-κB binding site, the direct involvement of NF-κB has been controversial. We investigated the role of the upstream regulatory serine kinase, inhibitory kappa-B kinase-ß (IKKß), in TM expression and function with or without TNFα treatment. METHODS: Inhibition of IKKß was achieved by specific chemical inhibitors, siRNA or shRNA. TM expression was assessed by qRT-PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immune-precipitation (ChIP) assay. TM function was estimated by generation of activated protein C (APC). NF-κB activation was determined by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: IKKß inhibition increased TM expression and function, and attenuated TNFα-mediated TM down-regulation. In contrast, inhibition of downstream canonical NF-κB protein family members p50 and p65 (RelA) failed to up-regulate TM expression and did not affect IKKß inhibition-mediated TM over-expression. However, knockdown of cRel and RelB, family members of the canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathway, respectively, resulted in TM over-expression. IKKß inhibition caused over-expression, increased promoter activity and enhanced binding of Krüppel-like factor 2 (Klf2) to the TM promoter, which positively regulates TM expression. Finally, knockdown of Klf2 completely attenuated IKKß inhibition-mediated TM up-regulation. We conclude that IKKß regulates TM in a Klf2-dependent manner.

Expression of short chain fatty acid receptors and pro-inflammatory cytokines in utero-placental tissues is altered in cows developing retention of fetal membranes.

INTRODUCTION: Retention of fetal membranes (RFM) is an economically important condition in dairy cattle disturbing the health and production in affected animals. In spite of extensive research, pathogenesis for RFM and identification of a predictive marker for the condition still remains elusive. Since expulsion of fetal membranes in an inflammatory process, studying the expression of inflammatory molecules is expected to give an idea about the pathogenesis of RFM. METHODS: Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) receptors and adhesion molecules was studied using qRT-PCR in the utero-placental tissues obtained from the cows that expelled fetal membranes normally (n = 12) and from the cows that developed RFM (n = 12). Concentrations of SCFAs were estimated in the utero-placental tissues using Gas Chromatography. RESULTS: The concentration of butyrate in the utero-placental tissue extract was 3-4 times lower, and GPR41 and GPR43 mRNA expression was 7.7-10.0 and 3.4-4.4 folds lower (p < 0.05) in cows that developed RFM compared to those that expelled the fetal membranes normally. The expression of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, ICAM and PECAM was higher (p < 0.05) in the cows that normally expelled the fetal membranes compared to those that developed RFM. DISCUSSION: Since a clear association of butyrate levels, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and SCFAs receptors was observed with expulsion of fetal membranes, modulating the levels of these molecules prior to parturition might help in reducing the incidence of RFM in cows. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory response is essential for normal expulsion of fetal membranes and that inadequate or altered expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and SCFA receptors is associated with RFM in cows.

Normal fetal nasal bone length at 14 to 28 weeks of gestation.

The fetal nasal bone length (FNBL) is a recent sonographic marker included in second trimester genetic sonography which varies with race and ethnicity. The importance of measuring FNBL is in the prenatal diagnosis of Down's syndrome (DS), the most common chromosomal abnormality. Nasal bone hypoplasia or absence is one of the frequent features of DS. Different studies conducted in different parts of the world have established FNBL in different races. But, reference values for normal fetal nasal bone length are yet to be established for Nepalese population. So, the aim of this study was to determine normal FNBL in second trimester. Objective was to create normal reference values for fetal nasal bone in Nepalese population. A cross sectional study was carried out on 150 second trimester pregnancy cases referred for antenatal ultrasound to Department of Radiology at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital between May 2014 and July 2014. Cases included all the clinically normal second trimester pregnancy in which fetal nasal bone could be visualized in midsagittal plane. Table demonstrating normal FNBL corresponding to weeks of gestation was generated using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 20. There was linear increase in mean FNBL with gestational age. Minimum mean FNBL was 2.93 mm at 14 weeks and maximum was 7.89 mm at 27 weeks. Age of patients ranged from 17 to 35 years. Normal FNBL values in Nepalese population corroborates with those published in Western literature but with variation. Hence, reference values for local population become more relevant for antenatal ultrasound practices in Nepal.

Morphometric sexual dimorphism of human sternum in a north Indian autopsy sample: sexing efficacy of different statistical techniques and a comparison with other sexing methods.

Forensic anthropologists have proposed different sex determination methods based on metric and non-metric skeletal features of various bones. The main objective of the present investigation was to evaluate sexual dimorphism in human sternum and make comparative analysis based on studies by several workers who used different methodologies and techniques. For this study, 343 sternums were collected and examined from 252 male and 91 female cadavers of a north Indian population. Significant differences were noticed between the mean sternal measurements measured directly on bone specimens in present study and those measured indirectly on radiographs or CT scan images reported by previous researchers. Comparative analysis of absolute sternal measurements showed concordance with some earlier Indian studies but discordance with most other population studies conducted worldwide. Limiting points gave much higher sex accuracy levels than the demarking points. The calculated multivariate DFA equation (y=-14.222+0.076MBL+0.137WS_1) and regression equation (y=36.675-0.198MBL-0.405WS_1) correctly estimated sex of 84.8% and 89.8% sternums, respectively. Multivariate analyses gave more striking results than the univariate ones. Though logistic regression analysis gave higher accuracy rates but discriminant function analysis was found to be a more reliable statistical tool for sex determination because of low sex biases. The sexing efficacies of the dry and wet sternums did not differ significantly, so bone specimens are equally reliable as the radiographs or CT scans for sex determination. The sternal area and the combined length were found the best parameters among all the criteria and methods considered. The changes in the body proportions, nutritional, environmental, climatic changes, etc., are attributable to secular changes in sterna measurements when compared to Jit et al. [13]. The osteometric techniques are better representative of biological identity of the deceased because of some inherent defects associated with radiographic methods. Like other sex-predictive bones of the human skeleton, the sternum can also be a valuable adjunct for sex determination of unknown subjects.

Sex and age related non-metric variation of the human sternum in a Northwest Indian postmortem sample: a pilot study.

Nonmetric traits are quasi-continuous skeletal traits that cannot be measured, but are observed as ranks or scores. In the present study, 8 nonmetric traits of sternum were examined from 343 sternums collected from the autopsy cases. More males, particularly older subjects, had a mesosternal foramen. The frequency of mesosternal foramen, arch-shaped prominence on the manubrium and radial strips on mesosternum significantly increased but that of lateral projection of manubrium decreased in the 30+ year age-group (older individuals). The denticulate costal incisures were found mostly in females and younger subjects; however, the crescent incisures and arch shaped prominence of manubrium were noticed mainly in males and older subjects. Majority of subjects had 'deep and narrow' jugular notch and xiphi-sternum was 'bifid' or 'oblong' in males and 'small sized' in females and younger subjects. Xiphi-sternum was generally found absent in females and younger subjects. The different shapes of costal incisures, jugular notch and xiphoid process were found to have significant sex and age differences. The number of cases with fused elements significantly increased with advancing age in both sexes. The sternal elements' fusion showed a variable pattern and hence was not found to be a reliable criterion. Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences between two age-groups of individual sex in the distribution of 3 of the 8 nonmetric traits. Significant sex and age differences were noticed in the frequency of occurrence of mesosternal foramina between the younger and older age groups in both the sexes. The logistic regression analysis of the scores classified 73.8% sternums to their sex category and 70.0% sternums to their age-group. Though present findings may not be enough for absolute personal identification, these traits can still serve as important identification tools if antemortem radiographs/CT or MRI scans are available for comparisons, or help classify an unknown sternum to its sex or age category based on the morphological features discussed in present study.

Iodine deficiency disorder in children aged 6-12 years of Ambala, Haryana.

We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of goitre among 2700 children (6-12 yr) of district Ambala in Haryana. Children were examined as per standards laid by National iodine deficiency disorder control programme (NIDDCP). Multi stage cluster sampling method was used. Urine and salt samples were also studied for iodine concentration. The overall prevalence of goitre in the studied subjects was 12.6%. The median urinary iodine excretion in the study sample was more than 100 ug/L Iodine content was found to be adequate in 88% of salt samples. We conclude that there was a high prevalence of goitre in young children despite iodine repletion. This calls for identification of factors to strengthen NIDDCP and the need to emphasize use of iodized salt in Haryana.

Ovarian cyst mimicking ascites on abdominal ultrasonography in a prepubertal female.

Ultrasonography has been commonly used in the diagnosis of intraabdominal cysts like ovarian cysts. Massive ovarian cysts can mimic ascites clinically (a condition termed pseudoascites) and ultrasonographically and can cause delay in the diagnosis and management. Clinicians should therefore consider other differential diagnoses in cases of large intraabdominal fluid collection. We report such a case in a prepubertal female which was diagnosed as ascites by ultrasonography initially but later turned out to be an ovarian cyst.

Skeletal height estimation from regression analysis of sternal lengths in a Northwest Indian population of Chandigarh region: a postmortem study.

Skeletal height estimation from regression analysis of eight sternal lengths in the subjects of Chandigarh zone of Northwest India is the topic of discussion in this study. Analysis of eight sternal lengths (length of manubrium, length of mesosternum, combined length of manubrium and mesosternum, total sternal length and first four intercostals lengths of mesosternum) measured from 252 male and 91 female sternums obtained at postmortems revealed that mean cadaver stature and sternal lengths were more in North Indians and males than the South Indians and females. Except intercostal lengths, all the sternal lengths were positively correlated with stature of the deceased in both sexes (P < 0.001). The multiple regression analysis of sternal lengths was found more useful than the linear regression for stature estimation. Using multivariate regression analysis, the combined length of manubrium and mesosternum in both sexes and the length of manubrium along with 2nd and 3rd intercostal lengths of mesosternum in males were selected as best estimators of stature. Nonetheless, the stature of males can be predicted with SEE of 6.66 (R(2) = 0.16, r = 0.318) from combination of MBL+BL_3+LM+BL_2, and in females from MBL only, it can be estimated with SEE of 6.65 (R(2) = 0.10, r = 0.318), whereas from the multiple regression analysis of pooled data, stature can be known with SEE of 6.97 (R(2) = 0.387, r = 575) from the combination of MBL+LM+BL_2+TSL+BL_3. The R(2) and F-ratio were found to be statistically significant for almost all the variables in both the sexes, except 4th intercostal length in males and 2nd to 4th intercostal lengths in females. The 'major' sternal lengths were more useful than the 'minor' ones for stature estimation The universal regression analysis used by Kanchan et al. [39] when applied to sternal lengths, gave satisfactory estimates of stature for males only but female stature was comparatively better estimated from simple linear regressions. But they are not proposed for the subjects of known sex, as they underestimate the male and overestimate female stature. However, intercostal lengths were found to be the poor estimators of stature (P < 0.05). And also sternal lengths exhibit weaker correlation coefficients and higher standard errors of estimate.