Study of palatal rugae pattern among the student population in Mangalore.

Human identification is one of the most challenging tasks in Forensic identification. In mass disasters dental records, fingerprints and DNA comparisons are probably the most used techniques. However these techniques cannot be applied always. In some cases, it is necessary to apply different and less known techniques like Rugoscopy. The purpose of this study is to determine any gender difference in palatal rugae pattern. In this study100 subjects were randomly selected comprising 50 males and 50 females of age ranging from 17 to 25 years of student population belonging to Mangalore .The rugae pattern were assessed by applying Thomas & Kotze classification. Association between rugae forms and gender were tested using student unpaired T test. Gender wise, there were no significant differences in the total number of rugae. The incidence of curved ,straight and forwardly directed rugae were more among females than males, while that of wavy ,perpendicular and backwardly directed rugae were more among males. This study clearly demonstrates the gender difference and uniqueness of rugae pattern in different individuals. Thus it is a reliable source of identification.

ABO blood grouping from tooth material.

Human identification is a mainstay of civilization and identification of unknown individuals has always been of paramount importance to society. Establishing individuality is an imperative aspect in any investigating procedure. The use of biological evidence for identification of an individual is a relatively recent development, but it is expensive and time consuming. The Forensic importance of dental tissue has been well recognized because of the fact that tooth is hardest of all human tissues and they can be preserved intact for a long period of time after death. Blood group has been one of the corner stones for identification of biological materials in Forensic investigations, and ABO blood grouping is widely used in Forensic laboratories. In this study an attempt is made to determine ABO blood group from the dental pulp and the dentin extracted from dead body by absorption –elution method.

Post-mortem diagnosis of gestation choriocarcinoma: A case report.

The present case demonstrates how a clinico-pathological approach of a forensic pathologist played a key role in deciding a sudden suspicious death and also highlights the characteristics of gestational choriocarcinoma and its importance’s in post mortem diagnosis among the forensic experts and clinicians. Investigating authorities were curious in knowing whether the death was due to criminal abortion or suicidal consumption of poisoning. The case was unraveled so that the rested soul is given justice and free from all defames.

Post intubation trauma: A prospective autopsy study.

Prolonged intubation of the trachea in the treatment of acute respiratory failure has become common in intensive care units during last two decades. Although intubation of the trachea confers great advantage, lesions of the larynx and the trachea may result and are severe on occasions. Hence, it is important that, our knowledge regarding the effects of intubation on the respiratory tract needs to be expanded with all available means of study. This at times can be a challenging issue in routine medicolegal work, as they are of potential nature for misinterpretation and needs caution in interpreting.