Analysis of enamel rod end pattern for personal identification

Background

Microscopically, groups of enamel rods run in unique direction, which differ from adjacent group of enamel rods and results in forming different patterns of enamel rod endings on tooth surface. These are called as tooth prints and they help in personal identification in forensic odontology.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the present study is to analyze the enamel rod end pattern on the tooth surface for personal identification and to analyze the familial inheritance of enamel rod end pattern.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, 100 different families were considered for the analysis of tooth print pattern. In each family, four members were present. The maxillary central incisor, canine and first premolar were selected. Enamel rod end pattern was recorded using acetate peel technique and analyzed using Verifinger^® standard SDK version 6.7 software.

Statistical Analysis

Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Contingency coefficient statistical analysis was used for the comparison of tooth print pattern in incisors, canines and premolars based on age and gender. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The present study showed that a tooth print is composed of combination of eight distinct subpatterns, namely wavy branched, wavy unbranched, linear branched, linear unbranched, whorl open, whorl closed, loop and stem-like pattern. Wavy branched pattern was found to be the most predominant pattern in incisors, canines and first premolars in our study. Familial tendency of tooth print pattern in incisors, canines and premolars was noticed in 65%, 66% and 52% of the families, respectively.

Conclusion

Tooth prints are unique to an individual and can be used as a valuable inexpensive tool in forensic odontology for personal identification.

Evaluation of oxidative stress markers in oral lichen planus

Background

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the skin, mucous membrane, scalp and nails that frequently involves the oral mucosa. Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the biological system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or repair the resulting damage. It has been suggested that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of LP.

Aim and Objectives

To evaluate the role of oxidative parameters in the pathogenesis of oral LP, estimate the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and uric acid (UA) in saliva of oral LP patients and to compare the levels of SOD, MDA, GP and UA in oral LP patients with healthy controls.

Methodology

In this cross-sectional study, 1.5 ml of fasting saliva sample was collected using passive drool method from the study group (30 patients diagnosed as having oral LP) and the control group (30 age-matched healthy volunteers). The unstimulated saliva was collected were analyzed by spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was done to evaluate and compare the values between groups.

Results

The mean values of SOD and MDA in saliva in the study group showed a significant increase in amount when compared with the control group whereas GPx showed a significant decrease in the study group. UA value showed an insignificant difference in the same comparison.

Interpretation and Conclusion

Oxidative stress markers as MDA and SOD are elevated, and GPx is decreased in the saliva of oral LP patients.

"Slide less pathology": Fairy tale or reality?

Pathology practice is significantly advanced in various frontiers. Therefore, "slide less digital" pathology will not be a mere imagination in near future. Digitalization of histopathological slides (whole slide imaging [WSI]) is possible with the help of whole slide scanner. The WSI has a positive impact not only in routine practice but also in research field, medical education and bioindustry. Even if digital pathology has definitive advantages, its widespread use is not yet possible. As it is an upcoming technology in our field, this article is aimed to discussessential aspects of WSI.

Imaging and image management: A survey on current outlook and awareness in pathology practice

BACKGROUND

Flexibility of digital photography enables it to be an integral part of pathology practice. An assessment of guidelines of imaging is essential for proper usage of photographs.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to assess awareness of oral pathologists about various aspects of medical photography.

METHODS

Questionnaire based on the availability of facilities, usage, technical details and ethical issues of medical photography was sent to postgraduate students and teaching faculties of Oral Pathology in various localities in India.

RESULTS

Photographs were taken mostly for the purposes of publication, medical documentation and education. Significant number of postgraduate students and faculties of Oral Pathology didn't receive any training or hadn't gone through any publications/books (P = 0.000) about medical photography. Consent for patient photography was taken by significant number of respondents (P = 0.000) but in a verbal form. Majority of people used image editing software, but 19.0% of faculties and 21.1% of postgraduate students were unaware of deleterious effect of image editing. Firm and sensible instructions concerning image storage, sharing and accessibility were not yet created.

CONCLUSION

This survey drew attention towards lack of proper understanding about the technical details, medical protocols and ethical issues related to medical photography. These findings recommend implementation of basic training for medical photography and policy for image management for students and faculties in every health care institution.