title: Evaluating fluctuating asymmetry in a Brazilian population with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this work was to analyse the levels of dermatoglyphic asymmetry between both parents and individuals with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) and unaffected control trios.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case-control analysis was carried out of 51 affected trios (unaffected parents and NSCL/P subjects), and 50 unaffected control trios. Finger and palm prints were taken from each participant, and dermatoglyphic patterns, the number of lines on the digits, and the palmar angles were recorded. To determine the level of fluctuating asymmetry the case group was compared with the control group, significance accepted at p ≤ 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant difference between the atd angles (angle between the lines triradii a and t and triradii t and d) of fathers of those affected by NSCL/P, and the dermatoglyphic patterns of the affected mothers, with significantly more arches in the control group. However, in this study, multiple comparisons were used, and the results must be evaluated as initial findings and evaluated carefully since the significance disappears after correction for multiple comparisons. Other parameters did not differ between groups. There was no difference in parameters among patients affected by NSCL/P.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on these results it is speculated that the mechanisms responsible for the formation of NSCL/P may be associated with those responsible for deviations in the asymmetry of the atd angles in the fathers and dermatoglyphic patterns of the mothers of affected patients. Besides, further studies are required to determine the real relationship between these conditions.
authors.affiliation: a 1 Stomatology Clinic, Dental School, State University of Montes Claros , Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Bárbara Daniane G L
authors.initials: BDGL
authors.lastname: Leite
authors.affiliation: a 1 Stomatology Clinic, Dental School, State University of Montes Claros , Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Izabella Nobre
authors.initials: IN
authors.lastname: Queiroz
authors.affiliation: b 2 School of Dentistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares , Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sibele Nascimento de
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Aquino
authors.affiliation: c 3 Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, State University of Campinas , Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renato Assis
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.affiliation: a 1 Stomatology Clinic, Dental School, State University of Montes Claros , Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Lívia Maris R
authors.initials: LMR
authors.lastname: Paranaíba
authors.affiliation: a 1 Stomatology Clinic, Dental School, State University of Montes Claros , Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniella Reis B
authors.initials: DRB
authors.lastname: Martelli
authors.affiliation: d 4 Center for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, Dental School, University of José Rosário Vellano , Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mário Sérgio O
authors.initials: MSO
authors.lastname: Swerts
authors.affiliation: a 1 Stomatology Clinic, Dental School, State University of Montes Claros , Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.|d 4 Center for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, Dental School, University of José Rosário Vellano , Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Hercílio
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Martelli-Júnior
keywords: Dermatoglyphics; fluctuating asymmetry; non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate